ENGLAND under-17s were crowned the Nordic Cup champions over the weekend, and West Ham youngster Robert Hall proved to be one of the stars of their victory. Academy boy Hall is not even 16-years-old until October, but he showed that he is far from out of

ENGLAND under-17s were crowned the Nordic Cup champions over the weekend, and West Ham youngster Robert Hall proved to be one of the stars of their victory.

Academy boy Hall is not even 16-years-old until October, but he showed that he is far from out of his depth at this level.

The Hammer was only a substitute for the opening clash of the competition in Norway, as England came from behind to draw 1-1 with Denmark.

But he was included in the starting line-up for the second group match against the Faroe Islands, and promptly grabbed two goals in a thumping 8-0 win.

That meant that England needed to beat hosts Norway to progress into the final, and it was Hall who came up with the 32nd minute winner which earned them a clash with Scotland - the winners of the other groups.

All seemed to be going wrong for England as the Scots opened up a 2-0 lead in the final, but Hall fired them back into the game on 72 minutes.

Ben Gibson forced extra time in the last minute of the game, and Everton striker Jake Bidwell scored the goal that secured the tournament for the English.

It was a remarkable display by Hall, who will be looking to play for the West Ham under-18s as often as he can this season.

The youngster came on in the first team friendly clash at Grays Athletic last month and did not look out of place, carving out two chances that were blocked as he looked for a goal.

He may be a couple of years away from a chance in the West Ham first team, but it looks like Academy director Tony Carr has unearthed another gem.