“If I was the England manager, I would be speaking to a young player who was showing ability like that, who was born in the country.”
Martin O’Neill has explained why Declan Rice has not been included in the Republic of Ireland squad for the Uefa Nations League game against Wales next month.
Ireland will play Wales in Cardiff on September 6, in their first match in the new Nations League tournament, before travelling to Wroclaw to play Poland in a friendly on September 11.
Rice won’t be part of the travelling panel.
O'Neill has said that Declan Rice just wants a "little bit more time" to decide on his international future https://t.co/tFnK56q4L6
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) August 27, 2018
The 19-year-old has three caps for the country and was comfortably Ireland’s best player in each fixture.
However, O’Neill has said that the West Ham defender wants more time to decide on his international future. Rice is from London, but qualifies for Ireland through an Irish grandparent and has played for the country at underage level.
After impressing for Ireland, and for the Hammers last season, the youngster has been sounded out by England about switching international allegiance.
If Rice were to play in the Nations League game against Wales, he wouldn’t be able to switch to England as the tie counts as a competitive international. It appears he is taking more time to decide where his future lies.
Martin O'Neill: He (Declan Rice) is still deliberating. He is a young man. England have spoken to him. He is taking time to make his mind up. He has done brilliantly for us. I'm giving him a little bit of time. #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/jFvCzHmgY0
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) August 27, 2018
“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.”
Martin O’Neill to hold a meeting with Declan Rice amid interest from England
O’Neill was keen to stress that Rice has enjoyed his time with the Republic of Ireland, and he admitted that he understood why England have shown interest in the 19-year-old.
“If I was the England manager, I would be speaking to a young player who was showing ability like that, who was born in the country.
“I wouldn’t be exaggerating to say Declan has loved it with us,” the Ireland manager continued.
“After the Turkey game, his father was there and it was a joyous moment for them. In terms of selling, I think the Republic of Ireland has done just about everything possible (to convince Rice). We have done everything we can. He has been welcomed by the squad, the fans. He is taking time and I am respecting that.”
Only time will tell if Rice does decide to play for Ireland. He would undoubtedly be a loss to the national team and his absence from the squad is a big setback for O’Neill.
