The question of national identity is never easy. The cause of all sorts of strife since the birth of humankind, Martin O Neill now finds himself dealing with how it's interpreted by soccers future international stars.
Someone with no qualms about what mast he is nailing his colours to, is West Ham centre back Declan Rice.
Honoured to have won u19 player of the year! Cannot wait for my first trip with the senior team💚 #COYBIG @FAIreland pic.twitter.com/xRF7x6SgrP
— Declan Rice (@_DeclanRice) March 18, 2018
As the squad goes through its paces this week in Antalya, ahead of Friday nights international friendly against Turkey, the match represents the formal start of what promises to be a long international career for Rice, who is more than enthused to be involved.
The London-born Under-21 international regards his call-up to the Irish senior squad is a “dream come true”. Rice, who turned 19 in January, only made his senior debut for West Ham at the tail end of last season, insists, that he and his family are proud that he is playing for the country of his parental grandparents, Margaret and Jack, from Douglas in Cork.
Contrast that with the reaction of another target Liam Kelly.
In fairness to Martin O'Neill he has always said he respects the decision of all players to make whatever calls on their destiny they see fit.
So it's up to them.
O Neill has been spurned by the England-born Reading midfielder Liam Kelly who rejected the Derry mans advances to represent the Republic of Ireland.
It's been revealed the 22 year old did so in a text message saying he wanted to keep his international options open.
Someone not in Turkey this week, but who is committed to the country, is Jonathan Walters whos recovering from a knee injury.
There was speculation that the 34 year old would follow Wes Hoolahan and Daryl Murphy into international retirement.
However, manager Martin O'Neil's confirmed that the Burnley striker intends to play a part Ireland's Euro 2020 qualification plan.
In the case of Kelly.
Cue the music.
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
