Republic of Ireland squad announcements aren’t normally headline-grabbing occasions.
With larger-than-normal panels, attentions often focus on something assistant manager Roy Keane has done or said, or who has not made the cut with the squad.
Both those issues were front and centre as O’Neill named his 32-man squad for the upcoming Nations League encounters with Denmark and Wales.
Richie Towell’s first call-up was a big moment for a player, back finding his feet at Rotherham, while the presence of Harry Arter means that the hatchet, for now at least, has been buried with Keane.
O’Neill wouldn’t directly answer the question whether his assistant had apologised, but insisted that the midfielder was "happy with the outcome" and wants to put the whole sorry episode behind him and add to his tally of 13 caps.
"I think Roy does as well" was as much as he would divulge on Keane’s contribution.
Given his previous with Arter, the Corkman’s comments this week about modern-day footballers being "cry babies" and in some quarters unable to deal with criticism, seemed rather pointed.
O’Neill, unaware of the comments made on Notts TV, could hardly be accused of sitting on the fence when asked if he agreed with the stance of his number two.
"Absolutely," he uttered with conviction. "I'm in absolute agreement with that."
The main course came courtesy of Rice.
The facts are that London-born Rice, with Irish three caps to his name, is taking time out to decide whether to proceed his international career with the Boys in Green or switch to Gareth Southgate’s England. From there the story drifts into plots and sub-plots.
Naturally the first question put to O’Neill in front of the cameras was for an update on the situation.
'Hopeful' was the word he used. He has spoken to the in-form West Ham man and his family, and O’Neill is happy to allow the teenager the time to come to such an important decision.
Referencing commentary that Keane’s issues in the summer with Arter and Jon Walters may have impacted on Rice’s decision to reconsider his Ireland future, the 66-year-old was quick to again knock that viewpoint on the head.
"People have asked if this had any effect on Declan's choice. Absolutely none at all. His father, and Declan himself, were at great pains to say that it's just not true. Declan has witnessed a greater debacle at his own club.
Martin O'Neill said he remains hopeful on Declan Rice playing for @faireland and no decision has yet been made, but Sky Sports are now reporting he has chosen England.
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) October 4, 2018
Listen to O'Neill's thoughts here. pic.twitter.com/UgQInvzigr
"When West Ham won the game against Everton [3-1 Premier League victory], it was because of the debacle in the dressing-room, the 'clear-the-air' effect had a very positive effect."
A confident O’Neill revealed he gave the youngster a 'pick-me-up' after his difficult start to the season.
Hauled off against Liverpool during a sobering 4-0 loss at Anfield, O'Neill reassured the defensive midfielder he would work his way back into the side and learn from the episode.
"We would be delighted if he chose us and we're obviously hopeful"
His form would suggest he has taken the advice on board, working his way back into Manuel Pellegrini's starting team, with the Hammers winning three of their last four games and Rice starring in the creditable draw against Chelsea.
His stock is soaring again with England very much in the mix.
"We would be delighted if he chose us and we're obviously hopeful," O'Neill concluded before departing from the podium to conclude more of his media obligations.
At the same time Sky Sports reported that Rice had in fact decided to throw his lot in with England, the player himself had liked an FAI tweet which said he had spoken to the manager and wanted more time to come to a decision.
Martin O'Neill talks to journalists, including @Corktod, to deny reports @_DeclanRice has declared for @England #RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/1opoSZJwzi
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) October 4, 2018
With O’Neill about to leave, he was asked for a quick response to the latest developments.
In jovial mood, he suggested the biggest shock was speaking to a scrum of reporters again and implored the Sky Sports journalist present to get to the bottom of it the latest twist in the tale.
In short, as far as O’Neill was concerned, there was nothing more to say.
"Nothing surprises me in this life, but I would be a bit surprised at their particular story."
Back in London meanwhile, Rice was continuing his Twitter activity. Was he too quick to ‘like’ the earlier FAI tweet? Was he advised to row back on his earlier action? Whatever the reason, a social media U-turn was performed.
So at the end of it all, we are none the wiser to Rice’s intentions.
"I can't put a percentage on it, but if he wants more time, that's fine," O’Neill said when pressed on how likely he is to plump for Ireland.
If Rice can’t make his mind up over a tweet, he may need plenty more time to decide which jersey he will don in the international arena.
