Mick McCarthy has admitted that Declan Rice’s international career is in the hands of the player, but suggested that the West Ham defender was good enough to be a future captain for the Republic of Ireland.
The 19-year-old has made three senior appearances for the national side despite being born in London, and now faces a decision as to whether he wishes to feature in competitive matches and commit his future to Ireland or pursue an England career.
Speaking on Goals on Sunday (Sky Sports Premier League, Sunday December 23rd, 11.30am), current Republic manager McCarthy expressed his desire to hold on to the promising talent.
He said: “We had a good meeting with him, it’s just up to him on what he wants to decide and that’s where I’ve left it to be quite honest with you.
“It’s not my decision on whether he plays for the Republic of Ireland, it’s only my job if he decides he wants to stay with us then I can pick him. He’s a really talented player and a lovely lad, he’s got really nice family behind him.
“Everything about him that you’d want for him to play for you. That’s still my case. He’d get 100 caps for us, absolutely. I’d love to build a team around him. We start in March and that’s my deadline, that’s when I need to know. Yes, he could be a future captain, he’s that type of player.”
OPINION
Declan Rice has the potential to be one of the best defenders in the Premier League and it would be massive coup for the Republic of Ireland if they can convince him to commit his future to the national side. He may play in midfield at the moment, but his reading of a game and his natural self-assuredness would make him an ideal centre-half, and he could be solid foundation to build a side on for the next 15 years. The issue Ireland have, and one that West Ham fans will be all too happy to remind them, is that Rice’s rate of progression thus far suggests that he could be one of the finest young defenders of his age in Europe, and the possibility of an England nod is an ever-increasing likelihood. It would then depend on how strongly the 19-year-old backs his own abilities, and whether or not he would prioritise a secure, steady international career over the chance at greater success with greater competition.