Rice praises Lingard's form

Declan Rice has praised compatriot, Jesse Lingard for his instant hit since joining West Ham United on loan in the January transfer window.

The Manchester United forward has registered three goals an assist in four matches since joining David Moyes side to quicken his career after falling out under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Lingard was on the scoresheet in the London Derby after securing a 47-minute goal against Spurs on Sunday and according to Rice, the Hammers are fortunate to have a player of his calibre.

“I knew this from when I played with him for England. He’s a ridiculously top, top player.

“You know when you’re playing with a top player, he takes the ball on the half-turn, takes the ball in tight areas, relieves the pressure on you.

“When you give him the ball you know he’s going to do something with it, and obviously what comes with that is he’s got a great personality as well.

“All the lads have really taken to him and I’m so happy we’ve got him here now at West Ham.

“Hopefully we can do that for much longer for next season as well!”

The player is expected to return to Old Trafford after the season following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s comment of taking him out to ‘revitalize’ his career. With no permanent clause included in his loan deal, Lingard's performance is an influence for the Norwegian to consider him as part of the Manchester United squad next season.

“We want Jesse to come back here revitalized,” said the manager. “We’ve had little to no injuries and he’s not forced his way into the team, unfortunately.

“I just want him to go there and enjoy himself, show how good a player he is and come back. He is a Manchester United player through and through.”