West Ham United’s Declan Rice has liked an Instagram message from Curtis Davies as the Derby County defender celebrated a battling 1-0 win over Wigan Athletic.

The Rams beat Wigan last night as Graeme Shinnie netted a stoppage-time winner.

(Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images).

It was a poor game devoid of any rhythm or quality. However, Derby won’t care much as another three points sees them climb the Championship table.

Curtis Davies was in the wars throughout. And his Instagram message citing winning ugly was liked by West Ham’s England international midfielder Declan Rice.

Davies was a commanding figure throughout for the Rams. He suffered a broken nose from a high Wigan boot clearing the ball in the first half, but he battled on until the end.

The 34-year-old won nine aerial duels and posted five tackles and four clearances.

Rice and Davies have never played together before. While Davies is a veteran and Derby are his sixth permanent club, Rice, 20, came through the West Ham youth ranks.

But Rice’s appreciation of Davies’s display against Wigan may stem from the Derby defender’s praise of the West Ham midfielder for Sky Sports last March. He said:

Speaking about Declan as a player he has shown maturity beyond his years. He’s only played just over 50 games in the Premier League, but he looks accomplished.

(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images).

According to the Independent, Rice was linked with a £50 million move to Manchester United in the summer but a deal never materialised as he remains with the Hammers.

Also see: Five goals in 11: Why didn’t Derby sign Chelsea loanee when the opportunity arose?

Also see: Three Derby players Rowett could target for Millwall – including £3m signing

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