OPINION
West Ham fan favourite Declan Rice has been caught up in a tug of war over the past few days as he considers his international allegiance to the Republic of Ireland.
The centre-back has been considering a change of allegiance to England despite turning out three times for the Emerald Isle in friendly matches last season.
Everyone has been wading in on the debate, including former Ireland players, former England players, coaches, teammates and journalists as Rice attempts to work out his international future.
While there is technically no rush for the young enforcer as he looks to make such a big decision, it would definitely be in West Ham’s interests for him to sort his future soon.
The Hammers have endured an extremely tough start to the season under new boss Manuel Pellegrini, with three defeats from their first three games.
Both midfield and defence, the two areas of the pitch where Rice plays, have been huge concerns for the Irons after those opening three losses, and Pellegrini will need everyone pulling in the same direction if they want to arrest this slide.
With this international situation on his mind, and with the criticism that has been levelled at him from certain pundits, Rice will undoubtedly be distracted from the task at hand.
Yes, the Hammers have other players available to slot in for the youngster if he isn’t focused, but ideally Pellegrini will need all players available and raring to go as the Irons look to get their season up and running.
Rice is the present and the future for West Ham, and the quicker he can establish himself as a regular under Pellegrini the better, for both him and the club.
That is unlikely to happen with this weighing on his mind, and he must now come to a decision over the upcoming international break and put this major personal issue behind him for good.
