New Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy has confirmed that he is set for talks with West Ham midfielder Declan Rice to discuss his international future as he deliberates over which country to represent.
The 19-year-old already has three senior appearances for McCarthy’s side but with those having come in international friendlies he is able to change allegiances and with the ability to play for England he is caught in the middle of a tug of war between the two countries.
The newly appointed Republic of Ireland boss has admitted he has already held discussions with the West Ham star’s father and that there are further talks set for December to try and get the youngster adding to the caps he has already picked up.
He told Eir Sport, as quoted by Claret and Hugh: “I spoke to Declan’s father, Sean, today, and I had a really good conversation with him. I remember saying to myself, ‘he should just get in the West Ham team and take a back seat’
“Well he has got in the West Ham team, he is going well and I am going to speak to him in December when his father is around and I’m going to sit down and have a chat with them both.”
Opinion
This is yet another sideshow to what is quickly turning into a roller-coaster of a season for young Rice. He has gone from fringe figure to first team mainstay at the London Stadium and is now caught up in plenty of behind-the-scenes controversy. Firstly, he has a big decision over his international future to make and it looks like McCarthy is going to do everything he can to try and convince him to play for the Republic of Ireland. Secondly there is the matter of his contract to sort out, with the Irons said to be involved in negotiations over new terms. There has been plenty of speculation over a potential transfer elsewhere and that will not be helping the Hammers’ cause in trying to get him tied down to new terms. You can be sure that the player himself just wants to focus on playing regular football but there is plenty more for him to have to deal with his season.