Academy boss Terry Westley watched his defensive protegee Declan Rice produce an awesome performance against the club that let him leave and said: ” The lad has got the lot.”

Proud Westley has been saying for months that the 19 year old is the “real deal” and after what looks like a true “coming of age” performance against Chelsea spoke of the lad’s incredible potential and current form.

Speaking to ClaretandHugh after the game today he said:  “He is playing in the most difficult position possible in the Premier League and he is just 19 years of age. How many 19 year olds are there at central defence in the Premier League.

That’s Southampton and Chelsea – two incredibly pressurised games given our situation and yet he hasn’t made a single mistake and is totally calm in everything he does. Some of his interventions today when danger threatened were extraordinary .

He is so incredibly composed for one so you but is the way he brings the ball out and uses it which is so remarkable  – I could hardly be more proud of the boy.

“He has a great attitude off the pitch too – always ready to listen and learn. Who knows how far he can go. I’m very proud of him.”