“He asked questions. He wanted to get better from the very off. James Collins helped him a hell of a lot and spoke to him in areas. And helped him with key points.

“He’s very, very level-headed. He’s got a great head on his shoulders and a great family around him. He’s just a lovely kid who, for me, loves the banter. Mark Noble has taken him under his wing. He’s honestly just turning into Mark Noble, honestly, it’s unbelievable.

“Noble has taught him how to be a captain and live his life. I think the only difference is that he got the England call and Mark didn’t, which still baffles me to this day.”

From being rejected as a Chelsea youngster, Rice hasn’t just picked up his football career that took a big early blow, but he has turned it around pretty quickly.