Andy Carroll scored his first goal since returning from injury as West Ham cruised past Birmingham on Saturday, but it’s 21 year-old Xande Silva that is taking all the plaudits.

After a terrific run of form, Manuel Pellegrini’s Hammers have regressed slightly in recent weeks, thanks in no small part to a devastating spree of injuries.

They returned to winning ways in the FA Cup on Saturday though, beating Championship side Birmingham 2-0 courtesy of goals from Marko Arnautovic and Carroll.

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals what Lasagne-Gate was really like for Tottenham's food-poisoned stars - Check out the video below...

The Austrian international scored after just two minutes but was then replaced by Carroll, who grabbed the second the closing stages of the match when he rose to meet Michail Antonio’s cross.

Silva was the man making everything happen though, as the 21 year-old attackers showed some glimpses of real quality in the final third.

His link-up play with Samir Nasri in particular was very promising, and fans are heaping praise on the Portuguese youngster.

The summer move to sign the youngster could soon turn into a stroke of genius, and the Twitter reactions down below are stunned by his first start as a Hammer…