Former Republic of Ireland player Ray Houghton has said he understands the dilemma of Declan Rice as he decides on his international future.

The West Ham player will sit out the Nations League game with Wales as he decides whether to represent England or the Republic, and there is a real possibility that the 19-year-old will not add to his tally of three caps, all of which came in friendly matches.

Houghton said he understand the fans' point of view when it comes to player commitment to a team.

"He seemed he was on course to represent Ireland continuously, but England have come in and they have had a chat with him," he said on RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland.

"He’s mulling it over at the moment. It’s a difficult one. I can understand it for the fans. They want commitment, they want to see a player pull on the green jersey and be committed to playing for their country."

Former international Kevin Kilbane and 59-cap James McClean have both weighed in strongly on the issue, but Scottish-born Hougton says it is an individual matter.

"Both of those statements [Kilbane and McClean] are true to them, but we are all different as individuals. When you are 19, and you are unsure and there are two countries pulling in the same direction to get you to play for them, it can be difficult.

"I think Martin is doing the right thing, sitting back and letting him have time with his family and his management team to make a decision."

One gripe Houghton does have is the manner in which a player can change allegiance even after representing a country in friendly games.

"If you are at Under-21 level I’ve got certain sympathy with a player to make a choice, but once you are committed to the senior team, that should be it.

"He was an integral part of those matches and all of a sudden now he is having second toughs and I can understand why fans are up in arms over this"

"I think you have a chance then to say, ‘I’m not ready at the moment yet to commit to that’. He didn’t, he got involved in three friendly matches.

"I think that’s where the fans are looking at it and saying, ‘you had your opportunity to shy away from it’ He didn’t, came on board, played very well.

"He was an integral part of those matches and all of a sudden now he is having second toughs and I can understand why fans are up in arms over this."