Declan Rice becomes an instant star for keeping Harry Kane in his pocket

Just like that, everyone's talking about Republic of Ireland youngster Declan Rice.

The Premier League's top marksman this season couldn't find his groove on Thursday night and Declan Rice is deservedly getting a lot of the credit. West Ham United have edged further out of the relegation zone after holding Tottenham Hotspur to a 1-1 draw in Wembley. While Pedro Obiang's goal of the season contender was crucial to the point, it was the Hammers' defensive prowess that earned the accolades after the final whistle blew. Angelo Ogbonna's performance earned rave reviews, but Rice was the man who turned the most heads with his showing in defence. https://twitter.com/WestHamUtd/status/949047024401436675 Former Hammer Joe Cole led the praise for Rice after the match. He believes Rice is the homegrown academy graduate fans have been waiting for. Rice has represented the Republic of Ireland from u-16 right up to u-21 level. Although he was born in London, he qualifies for the Boys In Green through his Cork grandparents. He was brought into the senior Ireland squad for friendlies against Uruguay, Mexico and the World Cup qualifier against Austria, but has yet to earn that elusive first cap. After his performance on Thursday night though, fans will be hoping Martin O'Neill gets him in the team sooner rather than later. https://twitter.com/mattyethers/status/949037379054075904 https://twitter.com/MichaelBeale/status/949036520530432000 https://twitter.com/TomDown3/status/948314011682172929 https://twitter.com/ScoutedFtbl/status/949027328579047425 https://twitter.com/TheOpelJersey/status/949022205178011655 https://twitter.com/MasuakuWHUFC/status/949073223475499016 https://twitter.com/BroadcastMoose/status/949073290106155008 https://twitter.com/Sam_InkersoleTM/status/949059532109565953 https://twitter.com/boleyn_the/status/949043202996269056 https://twitter.com/philegansport/status/949040656844017665 https://twitter.com/hollseey/status/949037123864285184 https://twitter.com/Reggie_Disley/status/949041671379079168