Irish Sunday Mirror

IT’S PAUL SO SUDDEN

- BY PAUL O’HEHIR

MARTIN O’NEILL believes it is far too soon to say Declan Rice is the new Paul Mcgrath.

But the Ireland boss insists the West Ham teenager has the talent to become a green giant in his own right.

Rice, 19, was the star of the show in Antalya on Friday and gave a man-ofthe-match display on his senior debut despite a 1-0 defeat. He was composed on the left side of a three-man defence and then oozed class when pushed into midfield in the secondhalf.

Fans’ favourite Mcgrath also gave awesome displays in both defence and midfield when he starred for Ireland.

Asked about the comparison­s, O’neill said: “Declan is strong, he’s athletic and has good enough control which will improve the more games he

SUPER-AGENT’S ASTONISHIN­G ATTACK

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 ??  ?? LOOKED AT HOME: Declan Rice shone in Friday’s game in Turkey
LOOKED AT HOME: Declan Rice shone in Friday’s game in Turkey

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