It's the news we didn't want to hear today.
Martin O'Neill said just minutes ago that no decision had been made as yet on the international future of Declan Rice, and that more time was needed.
I've spoken to Declan and the family. They want a little bit more time to make his mind up. He hasn't made a decision yet. I am hopeful.
Now, it appears, at least according to "Sky Sources", that O'Neill has been hoodwinked just as he announced his squad for the upcoming Denmark and Wales games.
Speaking from St. George's Park earlier this morning, Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett said:
"My understanding is that Declan Rice has decided his future, internationally, lies with England rather than the Republic of Ireland.
"My understanding is that Declan Rice is trying to avoid playing competitively for Ireland so that he can transfer his registration to be eligible to play for England.
"Plans are already in place according to my sources to put the paperwork in with FIFA to transfer Declan Rice's registration to England but that takes time. It could take a minimum of six weeks, potentially longer depending on the bureaucracy within FIFA.
"He's not going to be playing for England anytime soon. My understanding is that Gareth Southgate won't call him up until the eligibility issue has been sorted. He won't call him up to be a part of the squad and just train with the squad."
