After almost ten months without a competitive outing, the year 2018 will not go down as a memorable one in the annals of Irish football history – from an on-the-pitch perspective at least.
Martin O’Neill’s side will eventually play their first meaningful match of the year on Thursday night in Cardiff, yet the build-up has, once again, been overshadowed by matters off the pitch.
The Declan Rice debacle took care of the back pages last week, while this week has started with Harry Arter’s withdrawal from the senior squad.
The manager, to his credit, tackled all these question relating to the two stories, even admitting that Roy Keane’s altercation with Arter may have contributed to his self-imposed exile.
But when the two stories collided at this afternoon’s press conference at the FAI headquarters, O’Neill was quick to put out the fire at the first sign of ignition.
"No. Not an ounce of truth in that, at all," said O’Neill when asked whether Rice had a similar altercation with Keane, which caused him to rethink his international allegiances.
"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."
O’Neill’s earlier attempts of joviality, however, led to further questions about other altercations, so the manager then felt the need to clarify the questions further and diffuse the situation.
"[The Arter altercation] happened way back, when we were playing some friendly games.
"I was half-joking when I was talking about the number of fights I’ve had - I haven’t had too many.
"There isn’t an argument every single day, no way. I have been involved for five years now and I think the number of times there have been heated discussions and arguments... there haven’t been many more than half a dozen."
O’Neill also took time to calm the commotion caused by James McClean’s tweet in relation to Rice’s decision to take time to decide who to play for at international level.
McClean tweeted last week that "representing your country should be an honour and a proud moment", in relation to the Rice situation.
However, the manager explained that the Stoke City midfielder and senior Ireland international, is "strongly in favour" of Rice playing for Ireland in the future.
"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."
The Derry man is embarking on his third qualification campaign with Ireland and was also content to delve back into the goings on of last week’s revelation by suggesting that West Ham youngster remains closer to playing for Ireland than he does for England.
The Ireland manager has not spoken to the player but has had some communication with his family and is happy to allow the player all the time he wants before committing to either country.
"I've not spoken to Declan directly," confirmed O’Neill. "I have obviously spoken to the family, but Declan is taking a little bit of time.
"Obviously, we are very, very keen to have him.
"He has played senior football for us and of course, when the country of your birth comes calling, it stops you in your tracks a little bit, so he has a decision to make.
"Naturally, we would be delighted if he chooses to come to us, but he might need just that little bit of time to think things over.
"Let him consider it for a little while, let him consider the pluses and minuses, hopefully there are plenty of pluses for us in the number of caps that he could achieve for us.
"He has a career ahead of him anyway at club level, and international level and certainly at this minute, he is more likely to play for us than play for England at the minute, but obviously he is only 19, he is only a kid."
