Boss defends Declan’s celebration

David Moyes has defended Declan Rice’s celebration against Kidderminster.

The Hammers star drove into the box from deep and finished superbly to equalise and send the FA Cup tie to extra time.

Declan took off towards the fans and did a Michael Jackson-inspired dance before heading back to the centre circle.

That led to some derision on social media, with rival fans mocking the fact that he was celebrating a goal against a non-league side.

But Moyesie insists that he had every right to celebrate a last-minute strike, regardless of the opposition.

He told reporters: “Dec’s a really young boy who is 23 years old and has made incredible strides as a player. He conducts himself incredibly well but he is still young and what comes from youthfulness is not always what everybody else wants you to do.

“You tend to get a little bit older and Dec will continue to improve with his age and I am hoping that all these things that are part of his game – his leadership and understanding of the game – will improve with time.

“But he’s got no edge. He loves his football and is great company for all the players in the dressing room. I don’t think there is any harm.

“The way the game had gone – and especially as he had scored a wonderful goal – why not celebrate?”