Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy is planning showdown talks with West Ham star Declan Rice after watching their 3-1 win over Cardiff from the stands, according to the Telegraph.
The newspaper report that McCarthy ran the rule over Rice at the London Stadium as the 19-year-old played a big part in their important Premier League win over relegation candidates Cardiff.
The Telegraph claim that McCarthy is now seeking a final round of talks with the unsure youngster regarding his future this week as he attempts to prevent him switching allegiance to England.
OPINION
It seems like it is getting towards crunch time for Rice and his decision on his international future. The 19-year-old previously looked so certain to play for the Republic of Ireland, turning out three times in friendlies for the Emerald Isle, but it looks as though the potential glory on offer with England may be swaying him. Gareth Southgate is known to have taken Rice on a personal tour of St. George’s Park and given him the lowdown on exactly how he intends to slot him into his England team in the coming years. You can’t help feel as though England reaching the semi-finals at this year’s World Cup may have helped to change Rice’s mind, with the potential for major silverware on offer with this exciting England side. McCarthy therefore has his work cut out in these talks this week if he is to convince Rice against such a move, and it may in fact be a lost cause already.
