It's disappointing to see Declan Rice's head turned by England approach, says Jason McAteer

AP
Jack Rosser @JackRosser_14 September 2018

Former Republic of Ireland international Jason McAteer says he’s disappointed to see that Declan Rice has had his head turned by the chance of playing for England.

The West Ham youngster was left out of the most recent Ireland squad after Martin O’Neill revealed he was deciding whether or not to switch to representing England at international level following an approach from the Three Lions.

Rice, 19, has made three senior appearances for Ireland, but all have come in friendlies meaning he could still switch allegiances and be called up by Gareth Southgate.

The England manager, and his club manager Manuel Pellegrini, have both insisted that Rice, who was born in London, must take his time over the decision, but McAteer is disappointed to see that it’s even up for debate.

“I’m disappointed really, I was very passionate about playing for Ireland although I was born in England,” the former Liverpool midfielder told Standard Sport.

“I never felt that I wanted to play for England, I always felt I wanted to play for Ireland. I was very passionate about it, loved every minute and felt really at home, playing for England was never an option for me.

“Declan has come through a system, he’s not played in any competitive games for Ireland so that leaves him wide open, and that needs to be looked at. I think once you play for a country, once you’re capped, that’s it whether a competitive game or not you can’t go back.

“I’m disappointed his head has been turned. I feel it’s more about passion playing for your country, you don’t get paid, it is an honour and unfortunately he sees it for a different reason, I don’t know why.

McAteer, who earned 52 Republic of Ireland caps, added: “I think he’d struggle to get in the England team, struggle to be a regular and I think at the moment for Ireland he’s certainly a player they need, of that quality, and he could be the catalyst to bring other players through deciding to play for Ireland.”

Jason McAteer took on Tim Sherwood to launch 888sport’s new A Tenner Says campaign. To Take ‘Em On, visit www.888sport.com.

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