The Declan Rice Farrago has long-since been updated to the Declan Rice Saga, and as any keen follower of a saga will know, it needs some twists.
So, courtesy of Paul Lennon of The Star, we present to you A Twist:
Declan Rice is seriously considering a swift return to Ireland duty ahead of next month's crunch Nations League Dublin double-header....
The Star understands thatg a statement by Rice on his future could emerge after next Tuesday's friendly with Poland.
Could he really come back?
Appearing in a Nations League game would tie Rice to Ireland forever, but in spite of three impressive friendly appearances in green thus far, the West Ham youngster has declined to join up with the Irish squad this week as he takes time to consider his international future.
His head has reportedly been turned by England and Gareth Southgate, and perhaps understandably: it is the country of his birth, and Southgate recently showed a great faith in young players in an iconic run to the semi-finals of the World Cup.
Reports that Rice had a Harry Arteresque falling-out with Roy Keane, however, are wide of the mark. Martin O'Neill told the media on Monday that there isn't an "ounce of truth" in such claims.
No. Not an ounce of truth in that, at all.
It’s got nothing to do with it. I’m glad you asked me it, as it offers me a chance to knock it on the head. It’s totally untrue.
Irish midfielder Conor Hourihane, meanwhile, has shifted focus to the incipient games in Wales and Poland.
I'd imagine there's been people in his ear, saying bits and pieces to him. Maybe it's turned his head a little bit. He's obviously made his decision to take a bit of time out - everyone has to respect that. Whatever will be will be with Declan. We have to concentrate on the lads that are here.
We have a big game against Wales coming this week that we're all fully focused on and in Poland after that. We have to look after those two games. Whatever happens with Declan in the future, we'll wait and see.
Ireland are staring at an injury crisis ahead of the Wales game in Cardiff tomorrow: James McClean has been ruled out with an arm injury, joining Shane Long, Robbie Brady, James McCarthy, Scott Hogan and Seani Maguire on the sidelines.
Brady and McCarthy are both expected to be fit for the doubleheader with Wales and Denmark in October.
[The Star]
