Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill has indicated that Declan Rice’s new representatives may have influenced his decision to withdraw himself from Ireland’s upcoming UEFA Nations League games.
Rice has been capped three times for Ireland after making his international debut against Turkey in March but he can still play for his native England due to the fact that all three of those games were in friendlies.
The 19-year-old has been heavily criticised for his hesitation in committing to the Irish national team and O’Neill said England’s offer would naturally force him to rethink his future.
“I wouldn’t put it past them [agents],” O’Neill told The Times. “I’ve spoken to Declan’s father, and whereas Jack Grealish’s father was very strongly pro-England, Declan’s father is very strongly with us.
“But look, if England, the country of your birth, put an offer in front of you, even if it is to tell you to put something on hold, then of course it makes you think for a little while.”
Rice signed with the WMG Agency over the summer and O’Neill said at yesterday’s press conference in Dublin that he was willing to give Rice a little bit more time to decide upon his future but that he’s hopeful he will commit to the Irish national team.
“He is still deliberating,” O’Neill told reporters at the Aviva Stadium on Monday afternoon.
“He is a young man. Obviously, England, the place of his birth, have talked to him. We respect that. I think he just wants a little bit more time. It’s probably to do with the fact that he started the season with a new manager at club level, and he’s trying to cement a place there. I’m still hopeful. He is taking time to make his mind up. He has done brilliantly for us. I’m giving him a little bit of time.”
