According to @ExWHUemployee on Twitter, West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice is in line to make his full Premier League debut in the clash against Southampton at St Mary’s on Saturday.

The 18-year-old midfielder made his bow for the Irons as a late substitute against Burnley on the final day of the 2016/17 season, before replacing captain Mark Noble for the final 30 minutes of their 4-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford last weekend.

Having impressed against the Red Devils despite the disappointing scoreline, Rice looks to be in line to start his first match for the club on the south coast on Saturday, with the likes of Cheikhou Kouyate set to miss out again as he recovers from a knee problem.

West Ham supporters were quick to have their say on the rumour via social media, and they were delighted that he is to be given an opportunity, with some even saying that he should have started their opening day clash against Jose Mourinho’s men.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

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