Former Ireland international Clinton Morrison says he believes that Declan Rice will return to play for Ireland and hopes that the 19-year-old will be welcomed back if he does.
Rice was omitted from the Republic of Ireland provisional squad ahead of their UEFA Nations League defeat to Wales this week, with manager Martin O'Neill saying that the youngster is "still deliberating" his international future.
The news has caused much controversy in recent days due to the fact that Rice had played three times for Ireland in friendlies, but it is believed that he has received contact from England where Rice was born.
Despite Rice's indecision, Morrison believes he should be welcomed back into the squad should he decide to commit to Ireland.
"Me personally, I think he'll come back and play for Ireland," he said on RTÉ 2fm's Game On.
"I just think he's had his head turned and you've got to realise [that] he's 19 years of age so that situation [is] difficult but I do believe in my heart of hearts that he'll come back and play for Ireland and I hope he's accepted."
Morrison added that he thinks the West Ham man is a "tremendous" talent who could go on to earn 100 caps for Ireland.
Rice previously said that there was "no decision to be made" regarding his international future which indicated that he was devoting himself to the Irish jersey at the time.
However Morrison has stressed that people should refrain from drawing conclusions about the current situation until Rice has had an opportunity to make a comment.
"Until you hear what Declan Rice has to say I don't think anyone can judge him. Until he comes out and says what his decision is because his head has been turned most definitely. I don't know who's turned his head but for me personally to come and play for Ireland is the best thing you can do.
"He could go and get 100 caps, captain Ireland and play for magnificent fans. Speaking to a lot of people who know Declan Rice, they said he's a lovely kid. It is a hard decision for him at the moment but hopefully he makes the right decision and comes back and play for Ireland.
"He was born in London, he's a proper cockney and a proper Londoner. You have to remember that. But listen, he's had three caps and by all accounts of hearing what the likes of James McClean and others have said, he's a great lad.
"Everyone would accept him back with open arms, that's the one thing I like about the Irish set-up, the togetherness and they don't leave you out. It's a great squad and it's like a family to be fair. I actually wish I was 21 again so I could get the boots on and come and play again.
Harry Arter is another key absentee in the Ireland squad after telling manager Martin O'Neill that he wanted to concentrate on his club football with Cardiff where is currently on loan.
O'Neill has admitted that an argument with Roy Keane the week of the June friendly against the USA might have played a part in Arter's decision to withdraw from the team for now, and Morrisson said that Arter's absence is 'disappointing' for Ireland.
"Roy Keane is Roy Keane. I get on with him. I was probably the only player that could make him laugh and that's because I'm an annoying little pest. But I would always talk to him about football and stuff.
"Me and Roy had arguments on the pitch but it's not to say that I wasn't going to turn up and play for my country. When I put on the green jersey to play football, it means a lot to me. When I used to get called up by Mick McCarthy, I was proud to put on the green jersey and play in front of the magnificent fans.
"When I'm hearing Harry Arter's pulling out of the squad because of an argument, I don't know how true it is... just get on with it and prove to Roy that you should be playing every week you're called upon in the national team.
"It's kind of disappointing because you want your best players."
You can listen to the full discussion here
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