Stewart Downing impressed by debutant Reece Burke

West Ham United midfielder Stewart Downing has praised youngster Reece Burke for a "brilliant" Premier League debut against Queens Park Rangers.

The 18-year-old defender made his top-flight bow for the Hammers on Saturday during their 0-0 draw at Loftus Road.

Downing believes that the teenager did himself proud with a competent performance against the QPR attack.

"He's waited a long time for his chance," he told the club's official website. "He's done well for the youth team, he's travelled a lot of times and not been involved. He has proven himself with his performance.

"I thought he was absolutely brilliant against Bobby Zamora, who's had a really good season, and Charlie Austin's scored nearly every other game, so I thought he played really, really, well."

West Ham continue their league campaign this Saturday when Burnley make the trip to Upton Park.