Noble hails Dede for Watford equaliser

West Ham United captain Mark Noble has showered praise on teammate Andre Ayew, following the latter's equaliser in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Watford.

The Ghanaian, who came off the bench, tapped in from close range on 73 minutes to rescue a point for the Hammers at Vicarage Road.

Troy Deeney had given the home side a third-minute lead from the spot, after Cheikhou Kouyate fouled Mauro Zarate in the box.

"I was speaking to Dre [Andre] the other day and said 'Look, when you come to a new club and get injured in your first game and are out for three months, then you come back and you're away for another month at the African Nations Cup, it's so hard to get back involved'" Noble said, as reported by his club's official website.

"Credit to Dre, because he's come back and worked hard, he's great around the squad and he got what he deserved.

"He is a very good signing and I knew that when we signed him, but he's had it tough.

"I'm pretty sure he'll stay fit now and get us some more goals."

Saturday's game was Ayew's first since returning from the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon, where he scored twice.

The Ghanaian only now seems to be finding his feet, following his club record transfer from Swansea City last summer.

The 27-year-old had a debut to forget in August, after suffering an injury, which kept him out until late October.

He has two goals in 13 league outings thus far ahead of the showdown with giants Chelsea at the London Stadium on March 6.

Andre Ayew equalises for West Ham to make it 1-1! pic.twitter.com/jJmw7EEqzg

— Dean Ammi (@whufcammi) February 25, 2017