We’d welcome Rice with open arms!
SEAMUS COLEMAN sees no reason why Declan Rice wouldn’t be welcomed back ‘with open arms’ to the Republic of Ireland squad. The Ireland captain indicated last night that he had contacted the West Ham teenager and offered him reassurances about his future. Coleman’s stance goes against the grain of former internationals who have been calling for Martin O’Neill to move on without the 19-year-old rising star, who has played three friendly internationals and is also wanted by England. ‘On Declan’s situation, some people back home might not like to hear it, he’s a 19-year-old boy who was born
in England and there’s no reason why he can’t be a proud Irishman,’ said Coleman. ‘After the Turkey game, getting man of the match, I saw him embrace his father in the tunnel and that’s not for show. That’s genuine,’ he stressed. ‘He was genuinely proud to play in the games and in an ideal world we’d get him back. ‘The young lad was born in England, there’s no reason why he can’t feel in some part English and also be very proud to play for Ireland. ‘Fingers crossed, we’d welcome Declan back with open arms, it’s whatever he decides,’ he added. Coleman makes his competitive return for the Nations League opener against Wales in Cardiff (7.45) which is being played against the background of farce after Group B4 rivals Denmark fielded a team of part-timers and indoor players against Slovakia last night. As the row over commercial rights between Danish players and Danish football chiefs escalates, Irish manager Martin O’Neill called on UEFA to intervene if need be — the Danes host Wales in the Nations League in Aarhus on Sunday. ‘If they (Denmark) do not play the top players, and field players from the lower divisions, it would give a massive advantage to the opposition,’ said O’Neill. ‘I think UEFA will probably make a statement if it develops in the direction it looks to be,’ said O’Neill. After Alan Browne (calf) became the latest injury casualty yesterday, O’Neill will demand a weakened Irish team draws on a ‘siege mentality’ which has seen players perform heroics in the likes of Vienna, Belgrade and indeed Cardiff, in recent times.