Former West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand has made a bold prediction about Finlay Herrick after watching his debut.
The youngster made his first appearance for the Hammers as a substitute in their FA Cup quarter-final against Leeds on Sunday.
Herrick made an excellent first impression on thousands watching both inside the London Stadium and around the world.
Ferdinand has now tipped the goalkeeper to achieve something at West Ham that very few academy graduates ever do.
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Finlay Herrick during West Ham's FA Cup quarter-final against Leeds.
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
Anton Ferdinand expects Finlay Herrick to become West Ham’s No. 1 goalkeeper
Herrick’s West Ham debut ended in disappointment, as they were knocked out of the FA Cup; however, it was still an amazing moment.
He will always remember saving Joel Piroe’s penalty in the shootout, giving the Hammers hope of making the semi-final.
Herrick has since taken to Instagram to reflect on the occasion, with the following caption: “Grateful for the opportunity and what an experience.
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“So proud to make my debut for this great club!! Disappointed we couldn’t get it across the line, but that was a moment I’ll remember forever!
“Thanks to my family, coaches, supporters and my team who have helped me get here.”
Anton Ferdinand was one of the most high-profile figures to respond, predicting Herrick would become West Ham’s No. 1 one day.
“Love it, Fin. No doubt in my mind, future number 1 at our football club,” he wrote.
Finlay Herrick during West Ham's FA Cup quarter-final against Leeds.
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
Ex-West Ham forward Carlton Cole also replied under the goalkeeper’s post: “Proud of you.”
Ollie Scarles, Ezra Mayers and Josh Ajala were among Herrick’s many teammates in the comments section.
It will be interesting to see when Herrick gets his next opportunity to play for the senior team after his unlikely debut.
He would probably benefit from going out on loan to an EFL club next season, where he could get 40-plus games under his belt.
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