Noble hails hero Rice... but has dig at celebration jig

DECLAN RICE has Mark Noble’s vote for an England call-up – but could also cop a fine from his West Ham captain.

Rice ran the show against Newcastle, earning man of the match honours and scoring the opener before his midfield mentor hit a second from the penalty spot.

Noble reckons the midfielder, 20, deserves to go straight into Gareth Southgate’s squad for this month’s Euro 2020 qualifiers against Czech Republic and Montenegro.

But he wasn’t impressed with Rice for celebrating his goal by dancing a jig and putting a finger to his lips at Toon fans who think their boy Sean Longstaff is the better player.

Noble (right) said: “I don’t think it was aimed at Sean. He is not the sort of character who would do something towards another player like that – no chance.

“He’s probably doing it to quieten Newcastle fans. I think I will fine him. The dance he did was terrible. I hope he never does it again.”

Rice was a mile away from the Hammers team the first time

Noble remembers watching him, but impressed in front of England No.2 Steve Holland and is on the verge of Three Lions selection.

Noble, 31, has not won an England cap but is backing Rice to do so if his FIFA clearance comes through in time after switching allegiance from the Republic of Ireland.

He said: “Listen, I think he deserves it. He has been fantastic. He fully deserves it. His performances, his character, the way he is.

“I go to watch the kids a lot. I watched him at under-16s at Dagenham and Redbridge. He looked a mile off it. But he’s progressed so much. He’s been alright lately, hasn’t he?”

Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini also sang Rice’s praises, saying: “He’s a complete player. That is a player who, for me, in this moment is the best English holding midfielder.”

Rice sought his skipper’s advice before deciding to turn his back on the Republic after making three friendly appearances.

Noble, who qualified for the

Irish himself through his grandparents, once turned down the chance to play for them. He said: “We know how much it affected him. I spoke