Martin O’Neill has left West Ham defender Declan Rice out of his latest Republic of Ireland squad – and claims England have spoken to the 19-year-old as he deliberates his international future.
London-born Rice has three senior caps for Ireland but they have all come in friendly matches, meaning the centre-back, who can also play in midfield, could yet decide to represent England instead.
Speaking after announcing his squad for the upcoming Uefa Nations League clash with Wales and a friendly against Poland, O’Neill explained Rice’s absence.
“He is still deliberating,” he said. “He is a young man. England have spoken to him. He is taking time to make his mind up. He has done brilliantly for us. I’m giving him a little bit of time.”
After making his debut against Turkey in March, Rice suggested he was happy to remain a part of O’Neill’s setup.
Asked by PA Sport if he might have a change of heart, he replied: “Nothing. I’ve come away, played in the game and loved every minute of it. I’ve loved being around the team and at the moment I’m fully focused on playing with Ireland.”
The meeting with Wales in Cardiff constitutes a competitive fixture and so, if Rice had played, he would then be committed to the Republic of Ireland for the rest of his international career.
Quick guide
International squads announced
Martin O’Neill and Alex McLeish have announced their Republic of Ireland squads for the upcoming international week.
Ireland face Wales in the Nations League (Group B4) in Cardiff on 6 September before a friendly in Poland five days later.
Scotland play Belgium in a home friendly on 7 September before hosting Albania in the Nations League (Group C1) on the following Monday.
Colin Doyle (Hearts), Sean McDermott (Kristiansund), Kieran O’Hara (Macclesfield), Darren Randolph (Middlesbrough); Seamus Coleman (Everton), Cyrus Christie (Fulham), Matt Doherty (Wolves), Shane Duffy (Brighton), Richard Keogh (Derby), Ciaran Clark (Newcastle), Kevin Long, Stephen Ward (both Burnley), John Egan, Enda Stevens (both Sheffield Utd), Darragh Lenihan (Blackburn), Greg Cunningham (Cardiff); Alan Judge (Brentford), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Alan Browne (Preston), Shaun Williams (Millwall), David Meyler (Reading), Harry Arter (Cardiff), Daryl Horgan (Hibernian), Callum O’Dowda (Bristol City), James McClean (Stoke); Jonathan Walters (Burnley), Shane Long (Southampton), Graham Burke, Callum Robinson (both Preston), Aiden O’Brien (Millwall).
Jordan Archer (Millwall), Craig Gordon (Celtic), Allan McGregor (Rangers); Jack Hendry (Celtic), Charlie Mulgrew (Blackburn, pictured), Stephen O’Donnell (Kilmarnock), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), Graeme Shinnie (Aberdeen), John Souttar (Hearts), Kieran Tierney (Celtic); Stuart Armstrong (Southampton), Tom Cairney (Fulham), James Forrest (Celtic), Ryan Fraser (Bournemouth), Kevin McDonald (Fulham), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Callum McGregor (Celtic), Scott McTominay (Man Utd), Callum Paterson (Cardiff); Leigh Griffiths (Celtic), Oli McBurnie (Swansea), Matt Phillips (West Brom), Johnny Russell (Sporting KC).
“I wouldn’t be exaggerating to say Declan has loved it with us,” added O’Neill.
“After the Turkey game, his father was there and it was a joyous moment for them. We have done everything we can. He has been welcomed by the squad, the fans. He is taking time and I am respecting that.”
O’Neill is without a host of regulars with the likes of Robbie Brady, Scott Hogan, Sean Maguire and James McCarthy missing through injury, but has called up Preston striker Callum Robinson and goalkeeper Sean McDermott, who plays for Norwegian side Kristiansund BK.
Scotland’s McArthur taking international break
Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur has been left out of Alex McLeish’s squad for the games against Belgium and Albania at the player’s request.
“I think [James] is a terrific player and it’s disappointing not to have him, but he has some issues in his body,” McLeish said. “He has not said he has hung up his boots for Scotland but that’s the way he feels at the moment.
“He has had some issues with his back, and he felt at the moment he can’t combine international football with the task of playing for Crystal Palace. So he has put his club first. They are the people who pay his wages.”
Hearts defender John Souttar is one of three centre-backs in the squad for the friendly against Roberto Martínez’s team, and their opening Nations League match against Albania.
Stephen O’Donnell, Graeme Shinnie and Johnny Russell retain their places but Newcastle midfielder Matt Ritchie, West Ham winger Robert Snodgrass and Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack all miss out.