There’s no need to rush Rice into ‘one position’ yet, insists Hamann

AMIDST the clamour to determine what Declan Rice’s best position is, Didi Hamann believes that the youngster’s versatility will be a huge boost to Ireland in the coming years, WRITES CIAN TRACEY.

Hamann, who switched between central midfield and defence in the latter part of has career, can relate to the predicament that Rice (pictured) currently finds himself in.

And while the German admits that the new West

Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini will have his view on where Rice best fits in, Martin O’Neill will have his own take.

“I don’t think you need to make a decision now,” Hamann said. “It would be foolish to say he should play here or there. If you’ve got players who can play in two or three positions, I think it’s like having an extra player. “I wouldn’t like to see him in only one position because I think he’s got too much to offer to just play in one position.

“It’s always easier to play in midfield than go back. If you play at the back, it’s very hard to go further forward.

“That’s a decision the club will make but what position he plays for Ireland is the gaffer’s call.”

The 19-year-old is still in contract talks with the Hammers, after he was reportedly offered a new contract, believed to be worth in the region of €9,000 per week – a figure that’s likely to rise by the time negotiations finish.