MICK: RICE A MIDDLE MAN

because he’s not playing (as a centre-back) he wouldn’t be there in front of the ones (England) already have.

“Plus he has not been in their youth system and come through like he has with ours..

“I want him playing in the position he is now at West Ham, for now, and see where he develops.

“I spoke to him and his Dad for a long time last month. I spoke to his Dad prior to that. I think he saw himself initially as a centrehalf but then he’s enjoying midfield.

“He’s becoming more confident in himself. He’s playing in the first-team at West Ham and he’s feeling better about himself.”

Rice (left) – who has three friendly caps for Ireland – said on Wednesday that he will come clean on his international intentions “soon”

And yesterday Mccarthy stressed that he will build his Ireland team around

Rice for the Euro 2020 qualifying campaign that kicks-off in March.

“I thought my meeting with him was positive at the time, there were no negative vibes, he was more concerned at the time of getting his contract sorted,” he said. “He’s done that now. He did say that once it was sorted he would make a decision sooner than later.

“I can’t do anything else. I’m just waiting to hear from him. It’s not my decisions.

“I’d like a decision at some stage. December’s gone, it’s January, it will come around pretty quick.”