Mick McCarthy says he will not put further pressure on Declan Rice to declare for the Republic of Ireland and indicates that he expects the player will soon make his mind up having recently agreed a new contract with West Ham.
The Republic of Ireland manager met with Rice last month to discuss the player's international future, a meeting which McCarthy described as "really good."
The 19-year old midfielder signed a deal which commits him to West Ham until 2024 with the option of a further year.
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With this matter now sorted, McCarthy has indicated that the player should have the space he needs to decide his international allegiance though the Ireland boss stresses that he will not be heaping further pressure on the player.
"There’s a lot going on for the young man," McCarthy told Talksport yesterday.
"We say, ‘oh they should be able to makes their minds up’, but he’s young fella and he’s only just got into the West Ham team.
"I remember saying when I was doing some stuff with Ireland, ‘look, let him get into the West Ham team, let him settle, let him be a first team player and then he’ll make his mind up’.
"I’m still of the same opinion.
"If he wants to play for me I’ll be delighted, and I’ll be picking him, but I’ve left it with him. I can’t do anymore.
"It’s not my job to decide whether he plays for the Republic of Ireland.
"There was a real issue with his contract [at West Ham] and they got that sorted out now, so I guess he’s got his head clear on that and he can make his mind up.
"My job is to pick him if he decides to play for us, and I hope he does because he’s an excellent player.
"He’s a player I can build a team around."
