THE Republic of Ireland could be about to lose their most promising young talent to England, after Gareth Southgate revealed Declan Rice is on his radar.
London-born Rice, 19, is an U21 international with Ireland but is yet to make his debut at senior level.
The West Ham defender has made 13 appearances in the Premier League this season – an impressive feat for a teenager – and is seen as one of the best Irish talents to come through in years.
But Rice’s progress has brought interest from the England set-up, who could yet poach the youngster from under Martin O’Neill’s nose.
England boss Southgate said: “We are aware of [Rice] and we are aware of his situation.
“He is somebody whom we know with our technical department and it is more one for Dan Ashworth as technical director than for me as senior manager.
Andrews on Rice cont'd: "If he declares for Ireland - he's 19 now - but, in terms of sheer ability and temperament...I'd be amazed if he wasn't captaining Ireland in five years time."
— Ryan Kelly (@ryandelarge) January 25, 2018
"We are across every young player and, of course, there are plenty of young players with dual nationality.
"Wales have several players who have been in our system and who have got caps. So we are always looking.”
Ireland manager O’Neill is likely to call up Rice for the March friendly against Turkey, and possibly the Nations League tournament in September.
If Rice plays in the latter, he will be tied to the Republic for the rest of his career.
“Declan has done very well,” O’Neill told The Times. “We took him down for a little bit of training in Fota Island last year and he was an impressive young man, I must admit.
“I don’t think it’s any major surprise to see him break through, particularly when West Ham were having some difficulties.
“The very fact that the manager puts him into the starting team, in those circumstances, speaks volumes for Declan.”
