RICEOF THE FOOTSOLDIER

Ireland’s top talent eyeing the armband already

BOSSY teenager Declan Rice wants to one day captain the Republic of Ireland.

The 19-year-old looks the real deal having made his breakthrough under Martin O’neill this year, winning caps against Turkey, France and USA.

And he was Ireland’s man-of-the-match in two of those games – Turkey and USA – just to ratchet up the hype on the West Ham star.

While Rice only has three senior caps, he is not afraid to let rip and call the shots on the training ground or in games.

And he has already received captain Seamus Coleman’s (below) blessing to carry on communicating in such a way despite his tender years.

Rice said: “John O’shea has been at the top of the game and played with some of the very best players, so to hear that from him is nice.

“I had a joke with him about it. Maybe one day I do see myself as a future captain because I’ve got it within me to tell people what to do and order them around.”

Rice has taken the step up in his stride and said: ‘It’s just playing with top players and trying to pick their brains. I watch a lot of football and study the game, different players and teams. Football is an easy game if you’ve got a picture in your head.

“I’m playing around top players and I’m able to take so much from them individually. I believe in my ability to get on the ball and get us playing.” Rice made 33 appearances for the Hammers in the season just gone

But with Manuel Pellegrini unveiled as David Moyes’ successor, it’s a case of back to the drawing board for the next one. Rice’s fine performances for Ireland have been a direct result of playing regularly in the Premier League - and he wants that to continue.

He admitted: “Changing managers is a little bit annoying because you have to keep proving yourself, but that’s going to happen as a footballer.

“I’m confident in my ability that I can prove myself all over again. I’m looking forward to showing (Pellegrini) what I can do.

“I can’t have a season like I’ve just had and then be in and out next year.

“The aim is to establish myself as a top player in the team.”