Make no mistake – this Iron is going to the top

Academey boss Terry Westley has revealed just how quickly the outstanding Hammers prospect Declan Rice is growing up.

A highly impressive performance against Spurs was followed by an excellent 15 minute sub appearance late on yesterday as Palace stormed the Irons defensive barricades.

But the teenager was bang to the fore, making one superb intervention from a Zaha cross to avoid a near certain goal and keeping his head generally among all the mayhem as we tried to hang on.

And earlier Terry had explained to CandH just how much Rice is enjoying life as he takes the first fledgling steps on what looks certain to become a top career.

He said: “I saw him on Thursday morning after the Spurs game and he was absolutely beaming. He told me he had never enjoyed anything so much and couldn’t wait for more.

“That shows the lad’s character and I reckon he learned more in that 90 minutes than he will lean in a season – a superb experience for him.

“There’s a bit of the John Terry about him because he’s not afraid to throw himself in in there and but he has tremendous composure and always has time on the ball. “He is going to be a top player – make no mistake about that.”