RICE IS READY TO DECIDE FUTURE

DECLAN RICE intends to decide on his international future ‘soon’ and has acknowledged the final call ‘is up to me.’ The West Ham United midfielder, who turns 20 on Monday, acknowledged yesterday he is now in a position to end the speculation over whether the Republic of Ireland or England is his preference. ‘With regard to my international future, myself, my dad (Sean) and my brother (Connor) have talked with Ireland coach Mick McCarthy and I’ve also spoken to Gareth Southgate. ‘They’ve both said that whenever I’m ready, it’s up to me to make a decision. ‘There was so much going on earlier in the season but now most of that has been sorted, so I will make a decision soon,’ he said. Ireland boss McCarthy, who said he would wait until March for a verdict from London-born Rice, is also prepared to build a team around the strapping six footer for the Euro 2020 qualifiers. Rice, who has made three senior friendly appearances for Ireland, has insisted he didn’t allow talk of a new contract at West Ham or speculation about his international allegiance, to distract him on the pitch. ‘I’ve always been good at handling stuff mentally. I knew the new contract would happen. It was a long wait but I was aware that, if I started thinking about it too much, it would distract me. ‘I knew by playing in all the games and doing well that something had to give, and the contract would come — and I was Decision: Rice delighted to sign it. ‘I saw other clubs mentioned but it would have been disrespectful of me to have considered leaving.’ Rice has been linked with a move to Manchester City as a potential replacement for Fernandinho and sees himself as a holding midfielder, rather than a centre-back. ‘I’m happiest there. I have a bit more freedom, I can break up the play and I like to tackle. I like to do the simple things really well.’