david_smith
Declan Rice is absent from the provisional Republic of Ireland squad to face Wales and Poland.
The West Ham defender has yet to make a competitive appearance for the Boys in Green, and there has been speculation over his international future after reported interest from England.
His omission from Martin O’Neill’s squad is likely to add fuel to the rumours, and the Republic of Ireland manager had his say on the situation today.
Martin O’Neill: He (Declan Rice) is still deliberating. He is a young man. England have spoken to him. He is taking time to make his mind up. He has done brilliantly for us. I’m giving him a little bit of time. #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/jFvCzHmgY0
— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) August 27, 2018
“I’ve spoken to him, I’ve spoke to the family,” O’Neill said.
“His father is an absolute gentleman, he’s very keen for him to play for us too but the lad just needs a little bit more time.
“He’s been brilliant for us in senior games. I think the Republic of Ireland have done everything to sell the country to him. He’s been welcomed by the players, by the fans too.
“I’m not so sure what else we can do. Obviously the country of his birth have come calling.”
O’Neill: I wouldn’t be exaggerating to say Declan has loved it with us. After the Turkey game his father was there and it was a joyous moment for them. We have done everything we can. He has been welcomed by the squad, the fans. He is taking time and I am respecting that. #COYBIG
— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) August 27, 2018
Preston attacker Callum Robinson has been included in the squad alongside his teammates Graham Burke and Alan Browne, and the likes of Daryl Horgan, Shaun Williams, and Kieran O’Hara have also been named in the panel.
O’Neill’s men face Wales in their UEFA Nations League opener on September 6th, before facing Poland in an international friendly five days later.
Republic of Ireland provisional squad:
Goalkeepers: Colin Doyle (Hearts), Sean McDermott (Kristiansund BK), Kieran O’Hara (Macclesfield Town*), Darren Randolph (Middlesbrough)
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Cyrus Christie (Fulham), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Shane Duffy (Brighton & Hove Albion), Richard Keogh (Derby County), Ciaran Clark (Newcastle United), Kevin Long, Stephen Ward (Burnley), John Egan, Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), Darragh Lenihan (Blackburn Rovers), Greg Cunningham (Cardiff City)
Midfielders: Alan Judge (Brentford), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Shaun Williams (Millwall), David Meyler (Reading), Harry Arter (Cardiff City*), Daryl Horgan (Hibernian), Callum O’Dowda (Bristol City), James McClean (Stoke City)
Forwards: Jonathan Walters (Burnley), Shane Long (Southampton), Graham Burke, Callum Robinson (Preston North End), Aiden O’Brien (Millwall)
