Midfield maestro Dec Hammered by former stars

singing the national anthem.”

And Kilbane said: “I can’t understand his decision to play for us in the first place. If you’re a proud Englishman, you don’t come and play for us.”

Liverpool legend Graeme Souness suggested that Rice’s decision was financially motivated.

Souness said: “It oozes that his advisors are telling him that you’re going to – if I can use the word – ‘cash in’ over the next 10 to 12 years.

“You’ll be more valuable to them if you’re wearing an English shirt than an Irish one. Every sentence (of his statement) he is covering his backside.”

Rice knows that Ireland fans are disappointed and social media went into meltdown yesterday over it.

“I’m not taking for granted a call-up to the England squad,” he said. “I felt it was right to announce this decision now and put an end to the speculation.”

But Ireland boss Mccarthy is ready to move on without the Hammers star as the opening Euro 2020 qualifier in Gibraltar looms next month.

And while that meeting was positive, yesterday’s announcement draws a line under the protracted saga.

Mccarthy took a call from Rice yesterday and said last night: “Good luck to him – it’s his decision and I wish him well.

“When I met Declan and his family, along with Robbie, I told Declan that I’d be delighted if he opted to stay with Ireland.

“That’s not to be. I never got the chance to work with Declan so he’s not my player and won’t be now.

“My coaching staff and I have concentrated on those who want to play for us. They‘re the important ones and they’re the ones who want to play for Ireland.

Mccarthy added: “This is Declan’s decision. We’ve availed of the (eligibility) ruling ourselves so we can’t complain

about it.”

Mccarthy (right) and Robbie Keane met Rice and his family for showdown talks before Christmas, hoping to convince him to stay.

FAREWELL APPEARANCE Declan Rice walks off Aviva pitch after friendly against USA in June, his third Irish cap