“I’d hope that he knows that this Wales game is you committed.”
Martin O’Neill has said that he will stage a meeting with Declan Rice this weekend amid interest in the 19-year-old from his native England. Rice has already won three caps for the Republic of Ireland and was arguably the best Irish player on show in each game.
Ireland’s UEFA Nations League fixture against Wales in Cardiff next month counts as a competitive international. If Rice were to appear in the match, he will be ineligible to switch and play for England.
Declan Rice did exactly what Ireland players need to do in the win over the USA
Rice, who was born in London and qualifies for Ireland through his Irish grandparent, has represented Ireland at underage level. There is no suggestion that he is plotting to switch to the England national side.
However, Gareth Southgate and the FA are understandably monitoring the talented player. Until he plays in a competitive game for Ireland, there is always a possibility that he could play for England.
It appears that O’Neill just wants to make it clear to Rice that, if he plays against Wales, then he is tied to playing for the Ireland team.
“We’ve had discussions with Declan. England are looking at his situation so nothing is certain until it’s across the line,” O’Neill told The Irish Mirror.
“But he has enjoyed playing with us and the U21s. He has thoroughly enjoyed it. I’ll speak to him over the weekend and I’d hope that he knows that this Wales game is you committed. That’s the point he’ll have to take into deep consideration.”
Martin O’Neill’s description of Declan Rice’s performance couldn’t be more accurate
The Ireland manager was keen to stress that he is merely being “ultra-cautious” about the situation.
“I think people know me by now. I’m never calling anything over the line until it’s there. Until someone is absolutely and totally committed, that’s just it. It’s me being ultra cautious.”
Rice has excelled in his three appearances for Ireland and it would be a big setback to lose him to England.
However, so far, there has been nothing to suggest that Rice wants to switch allegiance to his native country.
