'He is back to square 1' - West Ham fans react to Reece Oxford's first-team exclusion

West Ham face Macclesfield Town in the cup tonight and it seemed the perfect stage for Reece Oxford to play.

Oxford’s career has stalled somewhat since he burst onto the scene aged 16. But some Hammers fans still hold high hopes for the 19-year-old, who captains the under-21 side.

With the Irons hosting League Two’s bottom side Macclesfield at The London Stadium tonight, Oxford may have been given a game.

Manuel Pellegrini is expected to ring the changes and play a rotated starting XI.

This cup tie would have given him a chance to run the rule over Oxford and assess whether he is ready for a more permanent first-team role.

But instead, Oxford played for the under-21 side last night. The England under-20 international skippered the young Hammers, who fell to a 2-0 Checkatrade Trophy defeat at Exeter City.

EXETER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 25: Reece Oxford of West Ham United in action with Tristan Abrahams of Exeter City during the Checkatrade Trophy match between Exeter City and West Ham United U21 at St James Park on September 25, 2018 in Exeter, England. (Photo by Arfa Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images)

Other youngsters like Conor Coventry, Grady Diangana and Joe Powell were not included, sparking speculation that they could feature tonight.

EFL Cup

‘He is back to square 1’ – West Ham fans react to Reece Oxford’s first-team exclusion