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Bilic: Declan Rice could play as Carroll, Reid are out vs Burnley in season finale

The season finale could see the Young Hammer of the Year!

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic indicated that he is “motivated” for the season finale vs Burnley, but confirmed that his star centerback Winston Reid would be out for Sunday’s match.

In his last pre-match press conference of the 2016-17 campaign, Bilic talked about Reid and Andy Carroll’s injuries, the latest examples of the plethora of absence, unfit players the Croatian has had to deal with.

“He’s good,” Bilic said of Reid, who underwent knee surgery and will be out for New Zealand’s trip to the FIFA Confederations Cup next month. “He did the operation today. He will be out 10 weeks, but he will be ready for the start of the season. He can’t play the last game of the season, he played with pain the last few games. We decided to do the operation after the Liverpool, and it was successful.”

“Andy has a hip problem. It was always in the beginning 50/50, but he still feels it and it’s not improving. He can’t train for a long time now. It is impossible for him to play.”

The Hammers boss was also asked about Declan Rice, the Young Hammer of the Year, and his chances to play on Sunday at Turf Moor.

“We’re going to see,” Bilic said. “He is one of that may play. He’s very good for his age, he is extremely good. He plays very well for u23. He has a bright future in him, and it is all down to him. He’s very mature and I could see him as a very good player.”

On Reece Oxford unsuccessful and rarely active loan spell at Reading, Bilic expressed his obvious disappointment.

“We’re going to see, but for Reece, it is shame he didn’t play at Reading. But for Reece and any young player, it is important for him to play and have match practice.”

Asked what was his top highlight of the season, Bilic didn’t have to go far in the past to say which one.

“Basically every win or every good performance. When we beat Spurs at home, that was the best moment of the season for me.”

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