Former West Ham striker Carlton Cole is convinced by the potential of Declan Rice.

The defensive midfielder only made his debut on the last day of the 2016-17 season but has since made 71 appearances for the club.

Cole, 35, linked up with West Ham's academy back in December as a technical coach and told the Daily Mail: "Declan is really good, he's very cultured.

"One thing I like about Declan is his temperament, he has had to fight for what he's got and to fight to the top.

"He didn't get accepted at Chelsea and he didn't get a contract there, so he came to West Ham and it wasn't for sure that he was going to become a professional there.

"He took it down to the wire, but when he got his pro contract, he got his head down and tried his best. And he has kept on growing in stature.

"Sometimes if you are not accepted somewhere, it is not the end of the world and he is a great example for young, aspiring footballers to look up to.

"If it doesn't happen at Chelsea or one of the big clubs, you can always go to a slightly lower club. I did the same thing [moved from Chelsea to West Ham aged 23].

"Good luck to him, he has taken it in his stride and he's gone on to make his England debut."