It’s Shane Duffy all over again.
Martin O’Neill’s first Republic of Ireland team since the World Cup play-off defeat to Denmark brought with it a sense of cautious optimism.
Fans were excited and pleased to see that calls for the likes of Scott Hogan, Sean Maguire and Conor Hourihane to start were answered.
In addition, O’Neill listened to reason and started Declan Rice alongside Shane Duffy at the heart of defence.
However, Ireland fans were bewildered over the West Ham defender being given the number 10 shirt. Considering that he has played most of his club football at centre-half this season, it’s certainly an unusual number.
While the FAI’s tweet did not clarify which formation O’Neill had plumped for, we can safely assume that Rice is not playing as an advanced midfielder. He can operate as a centre-back or as a holding midfielder, so giving him the number 10 jersey is slightly unusual.
Declan Rice is wearing number 10. pic.twitter.com/yvs3krYTnI
— Neil Treacy (@neil_treacy) March 23, 2018
Declan Rice making his Ireland senior debut today, wearing the No.10… #WHUFC https://t.co/uvqJe0uD7O
— Jack Rosser (@JackRosser_) March 23, 2018
Declan Rice #10 FFS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! https://t.co/qWA1NMiEen
— Ross Zambra (@TheKingOfPing) March 23, 2018
Declan Rice in as our number 10? How's that for your deep-lying playmaker. https://t.co/Zslp722IcS
— Gerard Farrell (@gerrytastic) March 23, 2018
Is that Declan Rice in the #10 shirt the same lad that’s been playing centre back for West Ham this season 😳 https://t.co/GDq8MNvMkO
— Simon Cooper (@SiCooperCoach) March 23, 2018
It’s like when Duffy wore the number seven shirt for the World Cup qualifier against Georgia. Remember that? Good times.
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