John O’Shea made his final appearance for the Republic of Ireland on Saturday night, but it was a player at the other end of his international career that caught the eye.
Declan Rice was brilliant yet again. The 19-year-old, playing in just his third senior game for Ireland, deservedly won the man of the match award for his display against the United States.
After falling behind to an American goal just before half-time, Martin O’Neill’s side fought back to record a morale-boosting win. Graham Burke became the first League of Ireland player in 40-years to score for Ireland with his second-half tap-in – the team’s first goal since Shane Duffy scored in the play-off defeat to Denmark – and substitute Alan Judge won the friendly in the stoppage time with a well-taken goal.
However, when asked what pleased him most from the game, O’Neill didn’t hesitate with his response – it was the composed, impressive performance by Rice in central midfield.
The official Man of the Match is Ireland's Declan Rice! #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/eF83I2ixPR
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) June 2, 2018
“I’m delighted for Rice,” O’Neill told reporters following the game.
“I thought he was exceptional. He played with great maturity,” the Ireland manager continued, before praising Rice’s role in the build-up to Ireland’s winning goal.
The West Ham United youngster fizzed a pass into James McClean on the edge of the US penalty area. The winger then beat a USA defender before Judge smashed the ball into the net.
The Ireland manager went on to call Rice’s display “outstanding” and “brave”, and he dubbed him a “proper talent.”
Rice was comfortably Ireland’s best player on the night. He has been used in central defence for West Ham but looks at home in midfield for O’Neill’s side. The London-native was excellent in both phases of play, snapping into tackles, winning the ball and then driving forward. As the game went on, Rice’s passing improved and he never stopped showing for the ball and seeking a pass from his teammates.
His sharp pass into McClean before the winning goal was correctly praised by O’Neill. Irish players in that position would be expected to whip a cross into the penalty area, to get the ball into the box and try to snatch a goal with the clock ticking down. But Rice stayed calm and made the right decision, which was a feature of his performance.
WATCH:
Alan Judge bags his first @FAIreland goal to win the game!
Well deserved after all @10judgey has been through!#IRLUSA #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/wmo26Vm0HR
— eir Sport (@eirSport) June 2, 2018
Rice is still eligible for England, and until he is capped in a competitive fixture for Ireland, Irish fans will worry about his international future.
But, if he continues with Ireland, Rice could have a huge role to play for the national team over the next few years.
On just his third appearance, the 19-year-old has arguably cemented his place in the starting team for the Uefa Nations League fixtures against Wales and Denmark in the autumn.
