‘It’s just a great story’ – McCoist delighted with Lingard impact at West Ham
Ally McCoist has praised the work ethic and spirit of West Ham attacker Jesse Lingard upon his return to the England squad after two years away.
The 28-year-old hasn’t played for his country since 2019. He was recalled to the squad by Gareth Southgate for the upcoming fixtures with San Marino, Albania and Poland.
Speaking on talkSPORT on Wednesday [9.10 am], McCoist credited the character of Lingard to force his way back into the national fold. He said: “It’s a great story all around, it really is.
“That’s what you want to see if you’re Gareth, or if you’re a manager of any football club. You want to see guys with a little bit of spirit and belief, you know, when the chips are down they’ll fight back.
“It’s a gamble (joining West Ham), of course it is a gamble. But at the same time, it’s one that he felt he had to take. And boy, has he reaped the benefits, has David Moyes and West Ham reaped the benefits.
“Hopefully, now Gareth can reap the benefits – it’s just a great story all around.”
A gamble indeed
In fairness, no one could have possibly seen this loan move going as well as it has, even Lingard himself.
Seven matches, five goals, two assists and two penalties won. He’s gone from Manchester United outcast to Premier League player of the month nominee, and now back in the England set-up.
Lingard has set an example to all players in the game. If you’re willing to work hard and take risks when you have to, you can always turn your career around. His attitude has been incredible, you can see in the way he plays how confident he is.
Always looking to get on the ball and play forward, something we’re not exactly used to at West Ham. You just feel as though something is going to happen when he’s in possession – something we haven’t felt since Dimitri Payet.
Hopefully, he can go and enjoy his football a bit more with England, then come back and pick up where he left off.
In other West Ham news, Kai Corbett was ‘unplayable’ for the u18’s in their 5-0 victory against Norwich City.