Declan Rice has been in extraordinary form this season looking as fit as it gets in match after match.

But his manager is not fooled and recognises the 19 year old midfielder may not be able to go on and on for the rest of the season.

So far this term Dec has appeared in 16 games and has been at the centre of regular controversy over his international destination and when he may sign a new deal at the club.

None of this has fazed him as he has gone about his business in compelling fashion and approaching his issues away from the field of play with very real professionalism

However, his manager is aware that there will come a point where the youngster will need to be rested if he is not to lose an edge.

Who slots into his role will have to remain a mystery for now but the message has to be given everything ‘Trust Pellegrini’ who told www.whufc.com: “I think he deserves to play in every game.

“In December when we have to play seven games and January when we have to play another six, in some games maybe he will have to rest, but he is 19 years old and at that age you are never tired.