David Moyes claims that Thilo Kehrer has taken on a major role in filling Mark Noble’s shoes since his retirement.

The Hammers midfielder retired at the end of last season, bringing the curtain down on his glittering Irons career.

Declan Rice has taken over the captain’s armband and Moyes admits he has taken steps to fill the void, and has surprisingly namechecked Kehrer, who arrived from PSG earlier this summer, as another player starting to lead the team.

Kehrer has struggled at times on the pitch, conceding a penalty on his debut and scoring an own goal against Spurs, but Moyes has been impressed with him behind the scenes.

He told reporters: “I have seen that. it is strange but I have started to see Declan step up and we bring others in and amazingly I already see Thilo Kehrer stepping up in the dressing room, big personality, big voice.

“I said about players taking time to adapt, and it may sound like a manager’s excuse, but I actually think he has adapted really well. He has had a couple of moments but you would have to say he has come in and played well and showed in the dressing room he has a voice and trying to help the players.”