Roy Keane was always going to have to answer that inevitable question about Declan Rice.
David Gold recently made some comments about Declan Rice that upset quite a few people. The West Ham chairman appeared on Talk Sport and told its listeners:
“I’m looking forward to the new manager turning Declan Rice into a strong English defender for the future of the England team.”
Rice, of course, is a Republic of Ireland international. The 19-year-old has represented the Boys In Green at underage levels from U16 to U21. In March, he received the Man of the Match accolade for his senior debut in a friendly against Turkey.
That being said, technically he could be the future of the English team. As he was born in London and only featured for the Republic of Ireland in a friendly, he could still declare for the Three Lions.
"A strong England defender" https://t.co/Q6H2YtuPha
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) May 24, 2018
Rice was recalled into the Ireland squad for their summer friendlies against France and USA. He will be expected to feature in the game at Stade de France on Monday, so naturally enough, Roy Keane was forced to respond to Gold’s claims at Thursday’s presser.
The Ireland assistant manager has no doubt over Rice’s nationality. (quotes via Eirsport)
“He’s Irish. If you had a chance of playing for Ireland or England, where would you go? Ireland of course. Cause he’s Irish.”
There you have it. He’s Irish. So think again, Mr Gold.
