Seamus Coleman defends Declan Rice’s decision to mull over international future

Ahead of Ireland's game with Wales, Seamus Coleman addressed the Declan Rice saga that has currently engrossed Irish soccer fans.

Last week, Martin O'Neill told reporters that the 19-year-old West Ham defender was taking some time out to consider his international career following interest from England. Rice had been contacted by England manager Gareth Southgate and was considering potentially switching allegiance. Rice had only played for Ireland in friendlies and not a competitive fixture, which means he is free to switch and play for England. Everyone has an opinion on the Rice situation, with many fans arguing that he should never represent Ireland again. Kevin Kilbane tweeted that he would rather Ireland were "ranked 150th in the world and never qualify again" than pick a player who is unsure about which country to represent. https://twitter.com/kdkilbane77/status/1034049483678642177 Now, Ireland's captain Seamus Coleman has stepped forward on the matter. He claimed to have spoken to Rice last week and told him that just because he was born in England does not mean he can't consider himself a proud Irishman.

"I seen him after the Turkey game, getting Man of the Match, and I seen him embrace his father in the tunnel. That's not for show, that's genuine. He's genuinely proud to be play in the games that he did." "In an ideal world we'll get him back, but you know, it's not as straight forward as you know what you are, or what you've heard a few people say. He was born in England, there's no reason why he can't feel some part English and very also be very proud to play for Ireland, which I know he is." "Fingers crossed we'll welcome Declan back with open arms."

The Donegal man spoke some sense on the matter highlighting that Rice is still a young kid at only 19 years of age. https://twitter.com/RTEsport/status/1037409737673981953