Martin O'Neill has today revealed that James McClean sent a text message to Declan Rice in order to persuade the West Ham prospect to declare for the Republic of Ireland.
Although he has made three appearances for Ireland at senior level, Rice is still eligible to represent England, the country of his birth owing to the fact his Irish appearances thus far have been friendly games.
James McClean made his feelings public when O'Neill announced that Rice had decided to turn down a call-up to the Irish squad for the upcoming Nations League game with Wales.
McClean tweeted "Bang on lad.. representing your country should be an honour and a proud moment" in reply to Kevin Kilbane, who himself tweeted "I’d rather be ranked 150th in the world and never qualify again than have someone who has played, but needs time to THINK whether they should play for us again. Well done to MON for transparency".
When asked whether he would prefer McClean and the rest of his squad to keep counsel on these issues, O'Neill evaded the question by explaining that McClean had also sent Rice a private message urging him to declare for Ireland.
James has spoken to Declan Rice. James is very strongly in favour of him coming. Very strong. He sent a text message strongly in support of Declan coming here. Declan has made a great impression here. He has done very well at senior level, as he has done at underage level.
He has played senior football for us, so obviously, while nothing is ever clear cut, we would have been pleased if he announced that, and we would still be delighted if he comes.
It had been reported this morning that Rice is staying away from the Irish camp because of a verbal altercation with Roy Keane, but O'Neill said there wasn't an "ounce of truth" to such a claim.
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.
An altercation with Keane is behind Harry Arter's self-imposed international exile, however, as O'Neill explained.
He wants to get back on track at club level. His club appearances have been few and far between in the last 7 or 8 months, and he wants to concentrate on that.
[The altercation with Keane] that might be part of the reason. Could well be. I wouldn't deny that. He has a number of things to consider.
O'Neill confirmed that the door is not closed to Arter, should the midfielder decide to link up with the squad in the future.
