Dec pooh poohs all rumours
DECLAN RICE insists talk of him jumping ship for England at this late stage is ‘a load of crap’.
The rising Ireland star has firmly nailed his colours to the mast and won his third cap in the 2-1 win over USA on Saturday. Until he plays a competitive game, the London-born teenager can still change his allegiance.
“There are two games in September and I’m looking forward to them. I don’t read too much
into things and look at social media. It’s all a load of crap to be honest.”
Rice will put all speculation to bed if he faces Wales in the Nations League opener in Cardiff on September 6.
“It’s a question that keeps on being asked – I’m just focused on playing and enjoying my football,” said Rice.
David Gold, the West Ham co-owner, muddied the waters last week by claiming new Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini (left) would turn Rice into an England star.
But Rice said: “He can say that, that’s his opinion. But I’m here playing for Ireland and that’s all I can do.”
Ireland boss Martin O’neill won’t assume the 19-year-old is an Ireland player for keeps until he makes that competitive bow.
O’neill said: “You can never say anything is across the line. It’s never been my nature to do that, but I think he genuinely wants to play for us.”