AIN’T NO DEC Rice unlikely to be in latest Irish squad but U19 boss Mohan’s not giving up

DECLAN RICE is not expected to be in the Ireland squad to face Denmark and Wales when it is named by Martin O’neill today.

But one of his former coaches is refusing to accept there is no way back for the West Ham starlet.

Rice, 19, is still considering his international options amid sustained interest from England, the country of his birth.

Gareth Southgate remains eager to snare the defender-midfielder despite him winning three caps – all in friendlies – for Ireland.

“Declan could have moved to England at various stages when he was younger,” said Irish U19 boss Tom Mohan who managed Rice at that age level and also U17s.

“The FA were always looking at Declan but he stayed and he was always there. He could have moved at any stage.

“Obviously the profile gets bigger when you get into the first team and there’s more attention paid. It is what it is but he’s gone nowhere yet and I’d still be hopeful.

“Declan was first class, a brilliant young fella, great attitude, brilliant trainer, everywhere you took him – on and off the pitch – a really top fella. When it came to playing matches he was brilliant. He gave everything, was totally committed to us, that’s the truth.”

But Mohan admits he was taken aback by Rice’s decision to make himself unavailable to Ireland.

“When Declan was in with us, because he played so well, was committed and did everything we asked him to do, yeah (I was),” he said. “But football throws up shocks. Nothing really surprises you but Declan’s gone nowhere yet.”

While they have a relationship, Mohan insists it’s not within his remit to persuade Rice to stay.

But he notes the sway agents can have as another factor to contend with. Rice changed his earlier this year and senior boss O’neill has suggested that may be one of the factors in his stayaway stance.

“Money comes into play, it’s very hard to turn it down but that could end up being the wrong move,” added Mohan. “If I was advising any young player going for an agent, make sure they’ve football knowledge and they care about the players first and foremost.”

Meanwhile, Mohan (above) hopes one of his young forwards can in time provide the answer to Ireland’s scoring conundrum.

Tottenham’s Troy Parrott and Adam Idah of Norwich are just two strikers that Irish fans are pinning future hopes to.

Mohan said: “You’d be very hopeful. I firmly believe the quality is there and the ability is there.

“The problem now is making the step up to first-team football as it’s become so difficult for young fellas to get that opportunity.”