Moyes lauds reliable Rice

WEST Ham boss David Moyes does not want his team to become too reliant on stand-in captain Declan Rice.

The 21-year-old midfielder, a reported summer target for Chelsea, has taken the armband in Mark Noble’s absence and shone again in Sunday’s 1-0 win at Sheffield United.

‘He is such an improved player,’ said Moyes. ‘He is doing a great job as a player and we are building up hope that he will be an outstanding captain.

‘The role, his responsibility he takes on the pitch because of his young age, his leadership qualities will build. He has learned from Harry Kane (with England) and Mark Noble.

‘My biggest concern – and I know he is young – would be that I don’t want us to rely too heavily on him.’