CAPTAIN NOBLE DREAMING OF FINAL FLING

MARK Noble wants two tickets for next season’s Champions league games at the london Stadium — one for him, and one for the europa league trophy in the seat beside him. That’s the dream, says the 34-year-old captain as he embarks on his last dance with the club he joined at 11. He insists there will be no retirement U-turn, regardless of whether West Ham qualify for europe’s elite competition by winning this tournament. ‘I’ve been asked this question so many times by so many people,’ said Noble yesterday. ‘The reason we would get into the Champions league is by winning the europa league.

‘Winning the europa league and lifting the trophy, would I come back? No, and that’s my honest answer. To end on that would be pretty special.’ He’s told his team-mates that, too. ‘I was joking with the lads saying if it did happen, I’d happily come and watch the Champions league games with the europa league trophy on the next chair.’

eintracht Frankfurt stand between David Moyes’ side and the final on May 18 and Noble says he’s never looked forward to a game as much as tonight’s semi-final first leg at home. Considering his longevity, that’s saying something. He has largely watched his club embark on this european journey from the bench, with Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek the first-choice two-man midfield. but Noble hopes they can get the job done against Frankfurt to leave him within 90 minutes of lifting the europa

league trophy in Seville next month. ‘I know how much it means to the West Ham faithful,’ said Noble, who was in tears after their wins over Sevilla and lyon in previous rounds. ‘If I go into a coffee shop, or go watch my son play, or watch my daughter play netball, or go to a restaurant with my wife, I’ll be talking about West Ham within five minutes.’ Kick-off: 8pm, London Stadium. TV: LIVE on BT Sport 1. Referee: Serdar Gozubuyuk (Hol).