New Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy has lost no time in getting on Declan Rice’s international case.
He has already held talks with his father and is now planning to sit down with father and son in December with a view to wooing him into the Irish fold.
Although the majority of us are far more concerned about the teenager’s West Ham future, the importance his predecessor Martin O’Neill and now he has placed on the player explains just how critical the youngster has become to club and whichever country he chooses.
And there can be no doubt the new West Ham contract is now becoming crucial and probably the outstanding matter on the board’s agenda.
However, with all the likely comings and goings occupying the agenda during January one wonders whether the Rice deal will be amongst the business to be completed.
In the meantime McCarthy, talking after being installed as the new Irish boss and quoted on eir sport said: “I spoke to Declan’s father, Sean, today, and I had a really good conversation with him.
“Just to clear up a few things, Declan wasn’t here for the games because he had a fall out with Roy or Martin, He has the utmost respect for those guys.
“But he was asked by Gareth Southgate to go up and see St George’s Park and to see whether he could be enticed to play with them.
“And he didn’t say he wanted to or didn’t want to, but he found it overwhelming.”
McCarthy things Rice made the right decision to step back from international football and said; “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.”
Interesting that MacArthy will only talk to dec when his fathers around. That’s because he knows the father wants him to play for Ireland and maximum emotional blackmail can be applied.
No it’s because his dad is a big influence on the young lad. I hope he comes to his senses Declan and stays with Ireland. His head has been turned obviously. England never wanted him till now.
Yes because his dad can use his influence to persuade him to play for Ireland and no. I hope he chooses England the country of his birth. And his dads.
But he’s played for Ireland already. 3 senior caps and all the way from under 16 to under 21. He shouldn’t forget that.
Shouldn’t Rice be the first on the agenda,doesn’t have to be January when it could be busy,for f… sake he’s arguably the best talent we’ve produced for years and imo vital for the team to progress,very risky the way they are handling this.COYI