(Credit: Imago)

Jacob Raw

Mon 6 April 2026 10:10, UK Updated Mon 6 April 2026 11:38, UK

Gary Lineker found Fin Herrick’s penalty shootout antics amusing in West Ham United‘s FA Cup loss to Leeds United on Sunday.

The young goalkeeper came off the bench in the 120th minute of extra time at the London Stadium to make his debut for the club in dramatic fashion.

Alphonse Areola could not continue after picking up what looked like an ankle and cramp issue, which saw Herrick introduced as he made his first stop for the club from a spot kick.

The 20-year-old saved Joel Piroe’s opening penalty of the shootout for the visitors, but his teammates were unable to help him become a hero.

Herrick has received praise from West Ham fans for the confidence that he showed in such a big moment, while Lineker was surprised by the shot-stopper’s actions in the shootout.

Fin Herrick antics made Gary Lineker think – ‘crikey’

Herrick was recalled from his loan with Boreham Wood in the winter, with many wondering why, as he had been playing well in the National League

The Rush Green graduate has featured on the Hammers’ bench throughout their FA Cup journey, and probably never expected that he would get to play in such a crucial situation.

After Herrick saved Piroe’s penalty, he was seen celebrating and boasting his stop, as many others would if they were in his situation.

While speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, former England striker Lineker joked about Herrick’s behaviour while talking with Micah Richards.

Lineker said: “He was quite cocky [Herrick], wasn’t he? He was giving it large, chatting to Leeds players, I’m thinking, crikey, whoa.”

Richards replied: “You’ve got to act like that. He saves the first penalty, but it just wasn’t meant to be. It was still a great moment for him.”

Regardless of the result, it was a game for Herrick to remember, and maybe the first of many more to come in E20.

What did Nuno say about Herrick after the game?

Nuno Espirito Santo will now have to assess Areola’s injury, with Mads Hermansen in line to stepup for the Irons during the Premier League run-in.

Speaking after the game, the West Ham boss did admit to Herrick’s ability and revealed how the Hammers have plans for the young star.

Nuno said: “He is a young goalkeeper with talent, he played for England in the youth. We have a project to try and help him to become what we expect from a good goalkeeper who can help us.”

It’s not expected that Herrick will play a part from now until the end of the season, but with Hermansen the only other fit number one, you just never know.