‘It’s a great thing’: Moyes confirms that never-before-seen 16-year-old will be in West Ham United squad tonight

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David Moyes has said that 16-year-old Oliver Scarles will be in the West Ham United squad tonight.

Speaking to Football London, Moyes confirmed that the youngster has travelled to Belgium.

West Ham face Anderlecht tonight, hoping to make it three wins from three in the Europa Conference League.

The Hammers will be without winger Maxwel Cornet due to injury.

West Ham’s fixture schedule is about to become even more hectic ahead of the World Cup.

Declan Rice described last season’s campaign as ‘obscene’, although TalkSPORT pundit Ally McCoist has told him to get on with it.

Moyes may have that in the back of his mind, as has called up Scarles to his West Ham squad to help alleviate some of that pressure.

It’s a massive opportunity for Scarles who could become one of West Ham’s youngest ever players.

Scarles is three months older than Reece Oxford when he made his debut, so can’t break any records tonight.

However, it would still be a phenomenal achievement for the England under-17 international.

Scarles in West Ham squad

Oliver Scarles is a defensive midfielder who joined West Ham as a 12-year-old.

Described by West Ham’s official website as a ‘versatile young player’, he signed a scholarship deal in the summer.

Scarles already has three assists in three under-18 Premier League appearances this season, and has never been in a senior matchday squad.

He could partner a fellow academy graduate in midfield as captain Rice is no longer suspended.

Scarles has done enough to impress Moyes to earn himself a call-up to the West Ham first team squad today.

There’s sure to be a lot of excitement among Hammers fans if he can make his debut tonight.

“We’ve brought Ollie Scarles with us, who’s 16.” Moyes said.

“Anderlecht have got a couple of 16-year-olds, so it’s a great thing that young players can opportunities, and some of them will play.