ALTER RULES & END SAGAS

FIFA HAVE been urged to consider amending their international eligibility rules on the back of the ongoing Declan Rice saga.

The West Ham star remains torn on whether to declare for the Republic of Ireland or England, the country of his birth.

Ireland manager Martin O’neill is still ‘hopeful’ that Rice – capped three times by Ireland in friendlies – will side with the Boys in Green despite England boss Gareth Southgate’s interest.

Scott Hogan is one of eight English-born players in the Ireland squad for this Nations League doubleheader against Denmark and Wales. He and Rice both made their Irish debuts in the 1-0 March friendly defeat away to Turkey in Antalya.

But while Hogan insists the 19-year-old deserves time to make a big decision on his future, he feels FIFA should look at tightening up the rules.

“It’s his choice,” said the fit-again Aston Villa striker, who was born in Salford.

“I played with him in Turkey and he’s a fantastic player with a big future wherever he goes.

“But we can’t comment on where he’s going as it’s entirely his decision in his head. Maybe going forward there has to be new rules introduced to prevent things like this happening.

“But if he wants to do it, he’s perfectly entitled to do it within the rules.”

Under FIFA rules, Rice is entitled to play for Ireland or England but will be tied to either country once he makes a competitive appearance for them.

This new Nations League competition is deemed competitive but Rice announced he was taking a break from international football before last month’s Wales game.