Declan Rice urged to step up as West Ham captain and step out of Mark Noble’s shadow by former Irons skipper Reo-Coker

DECLAN RICE has been told to step out of Mark Noble’s shadow and lift rock-bottom West Ham.

Former Hammers captain Nigel Reo-Coker admits Noble’s retirement at the end of last season left a huge void for his replacement skipper Rice, 23, to fill.

Irons boss David Moyes admitted the East Londoners were missing ‘Mr West Ham’ following a third straight league defeat by Brighton last week.

But ex-midfielder Reo-Coker says there can be no excuses for England ace Rice as the Hammers go to another of his old clubs, Aston Villa, today.

The 38-year-old said: “I know  Mark well from when he was coming through at West Ham — but he grew up in a different environment to Rice.

“Mark always took a lot on with the changes at the club and he embodied those to become a great captain.

“Being there for so long, he passed his knowledge to the younger players and let  people know what it means to play for West Ham.

"But now, as captain and an England international, Rice has to take that on board.

“You have to act  more responsibly and become a really good people person by taking the time to talk more with your team-mates to see how they feel.

“You have to find ways of helping other players and lifting the mood in a dressing room.

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“Personalities in football play a big part, it is about having that presence.

“If you’ve got personality and energy  in the dressing room, day to day, you can keep a team and a club together.”

Reo-Coker captained West Ham in their 2006 FA Cup final penalty shootout defeat by Liverpool — when he was up against current Villa boss Steven Gerrard.

The Anfield legend blasted home a stunning injury-time leveller in Cardiff to rescue the Reds.

But 16 years on, Gerro needs a result as much as West Ham after two defeats in his team’s first three Prem games.

After nine months in charge and two transfer windows, Reo-Coker claims this season is make or break for his old foe.

He said: “Aston Villa are playing with a bit of fear. There isn’t that willingness to express themselves going forward.

“Gerrard has brought players in and implemented his style, so this is the  year to judge his progression. You’ve got to give him at least a season.”

NIGEL REO-COKER was speaking in conjunction with the Online Betting Guide