Declan Rice

As I'm growing up, going into holding midfield, I'm watching Busquets quite a lot for Barcelona. The way he controls the game, his reading of it, technically, defensively - everything about him cuts him out above the rest. I'm really enjoying watching him. ”

Growing up, John Terry was my obvious idol. I based my whole game on him. ”

I'm only 20; you've got your whole career ahead of you. I'm just focused on playing for West Ham and playing with a smile on my face and enjoying it. ”

No one is guaranteed their place in the squad. ”

Mark O'Toole from the FAI has looked after me well back in England to the point that I consider him a father figure. ”

The likes of Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling - they give you all the confidence you need. They give you little pats on the back, tell you you're doing well. ”

It's good that I can play in two positions, as a centre-back or as a holding midfielder, as I just want to get minutes and get games. ”

I thought I did well for only being 19 years old on the international scene. I was proud of myself. ”

Nothing is given in the Premier League, and it is tough for spots. ”

Being compared to players, being linked to other teams - I don't really take any of it in, to be honest. If you think about it too much, you get caught up in it. ”