JAMES MCCLEAN HAS become the first Ireland player to comment publicly on Declan Rice, following the revelation today that the teenager was “still deliberating” over the youngster’s international future.
The Stoke winger — who himself switched international allegiance having represented Northern Ireland at underage level — appeared highly critical of Rice’s latest stance.
McClean, via his official account, made his feelings known when responding to a tweet by former Ireland international Kevin Kilbane.
Kilbane originally wrote: “I’d rather be ranked 150th in the world and never qualify again than have someone who has played, but needs time to THINK whether they should play for us again. Well done to MON for transparency.”
In response to the ex-Everton player’s remark, McClean commented: “Bang on lad.. representing your country should be an honour and a proud moment.”
Following today's development, manager Martin O'Neill insisted he was still hopeful that Rice would ultimately opt to play for Ireland.
“He is still deliberating,” O’Neill explained. “He’s a young man. England have obviously spoken to him. We’re aware of that. I think he just needs a little more time to make his mind up. He has done brilliantly for us. But England is the place of his birth and they have talked to him. We respect that."
However, if McClean's comments are a reflection of the squad's feelings in general, it would seem to further lessen the chances of Rice ever wearing an Irish jersey again.
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I’d agree with the above, far too much credence put on the Bath win, who are a second tier English side, nearing third tier. We’ve beaten nothing this season really so far, just been consistent enough to keep winning. The toughest games were probably Munster and Cardiff last week to be honest, and we scraped a win over Bath away.
I do think that if we get a home QF and SF in the Aviva we can go back to Twickers, and anything can happen then, but Toulouse would be faves at the moment in my book, they’ve just got everything.
I’m a little worried about our second row options, Leo seems to be slowing and Browne is not really up to the white heat of a big HEC game I think. Today’s selection should be very interesting.
I certainly don’t fear Sarries or Quins though, Quins in particular have nowhere near the experience needed, and Sarries are one paced.
Agree completely! We seem to have forgotten that we have a relatively soft pool this year! To be anything but well in charge at this stage would be a disaster!
My big worry is what happens when we play a team with a serious pack and a good backline (eg Northampton for H1 of Heino Final). Defensively we leaked a lot of scores in that first half! If you were to have thrown some fitness and an out and out 7 into that Northampton team – what would the result have been? Haven’t forgotten what Clermont did to us in the RDS a couple of years ago (except on the scoreboard of course).