West Ham legend Tony Cottee has tipped youngster Declan Rice to become a future captain of the club, and also earn a 'big number of caps' for England.
The 20-year-old has earned rave reviews for his performances in the Premier League this season, and has been impressive in a new holding midfield role.
Hammers legend Cottee, who made over 250 appearances in two separate spells for the club, has now claimed Rice could fill the shoes of West Ham stalwart Mark Noble in the years tocome.
He said: "Declan is a fantastic player. I’ve met him and he seems like a really nice lad and one that really cares about the football club.