Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
SIX SHOOTER MARTIN WILL TALK TO RICE
MARTIN O’NEILL has set a six-point target for next month’s make-or-break Nations League double-header.
But he remains unsure if Declan Rice or Harry Arter will be involved in those key games at home to Denmark and Wales.
It was suggested that teenage star Rice would come clean on his international intentions yesterday – but there has been no white smoke as yet.
O’neill said: “I don’t know any more than you do at this particular juncture. Honestly, I genuinely don’t.
“There’s no point in me commenting positively or negatively until I get to talk to the people again.”
England boss Gareth Southgate had said: “It would be wrong of us to be arrogant and think people will just come and play for us because we are England.
“The boy is in a really difficult position and I’m extremely conscious of that. He has to make a decision and it’s important he’s allowed that opportunity.”
After a 4-1 thumping in Wales, Ireland are bottom of their Nations League group and face being third seeds for December’s Euro 2020 draw.
But they will be second seeds for the Euros if they finish first or second in their Nations League group – so the incentive is there.
O’neill said: “Considering the situation and there are only four games in the group, I think you’d have to try and win both games.
“It won’t be easy but if we have a couple of players back from injury that will give us an added boost.”
Meanwhile, skipper Seamus Coleman – a fresh injury doubt for next month’s games – is set to play a part in the peace talks between Arter and Roy Keane after their summer bust-up.
O’neill claimed this week that Keane could apologise to the Cardiff City man.
He said: “There’s every possibility of a reconciliation and I’m hoping that will materialise.”
But O’neill made no guarantee Arter would be selected next month in that event, adding:
“I will see.”