West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice is set to commit his international future to the Republic of Ireland, according to the Irish Times.
The newspaper claims that an official decision from the teenager is expected imminently, bringing an end to months of speculation over his international future.
The Hammer starlet has made three appearances for Ireland under former manager Martin O’Neill, but none of them were in competitive matches, meaning that he can still opt to represent England on the international scene.
The conundrum lead Rice to request his omission from the Irish squad which faced Wales in the Nations League earlier this season, but it now appears that the versatile midfielder will choose to play for Ireland after all.
OPINION
Finally a resolution! This situation has rumbled on for a while now, and Rice simply needed to make his mind up. His Premier League form this season has been excellent, so it’s no surprise that England are interested in having him represent them moving forward. However, he has already worn the Irish shirt on three separate occasions and so it would be controversial for him to turn his back on Mick McCarthy’s side now. The former Ipswich Town boss’ appointment appears to be the turning point for the player. The Irish Times’ report states that McCarthy met with Rice recently in an attempt to resolve the situation, and that significant progress was made. Apparently whatever McCarthy said had an impact on the youngster because he now appears set to confirm his commitment to the Irish cause, which does feel like the right decision from an objective standpoint. It’s a shame for England, but a triumph, certainly, for the Republic of Ireland.