AN ACE IN THE DEC

of age and it was an impressive performance from an impressive young man.

“He’s played left-sided centreback for West Ham so I started him there. At this minute he’s getting accustomed to a number of positions but I had no hesitation putting him into midfield.”

“As he gets more comfortable with the ball instead of playing it backwards, he will go forward and that’s something I’ve been urging with the senior players.

“I never think it’s too late if you’ve space to drive into. And I hope the message is not just coming from me, I hope it’s coming from club managers.

“I was told as a player myself and it was something you wanted to do.

“Things can happen for you and you’re trying to make things happen. It’s really what it’s all about.”