Former Irish international Gary Breen, gives his opinion on former Irish International Declan Rice.
An Extremely Difficult Decision
Declan Rice has finally come to a decision on his international playing career. He announced his intention to represent England in an open letter which left many Irish football fans bitterly disappointed.
— Declan Rice (@_DeclanRice) February 13, 2019
A Switch of Allegiance
The 20 year old West Ham starlet was born in London but was eligible to play for Ireland as his grandparents were from Cork.
He represented the senior Irish team on three occasions but was omitted from the squad in August 2018 after it was revealed that he was considering switching to play for England after being approached by them.
I don't think our Irish shirt should be used as an audition for anyone
Watch: Gary Breen gives his opinion on the end of the Declan Rice saga
Former Irish International Gary Breen his opinion on the young players switch of allegiance to Shane Coleman on Newstalk Breakfast.
Breen was also born in London but was raised with very strong Irish ties. He went on to represent Ireland 63 times which included performances at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
He told Newstalk Breakfast,
"I still think at 18 you know what country you need to represent. I still feel it's a career move (for Declan Rice) more than anything as opposed to what he actually believes he is. And that's what leaves a bad taste in my mouth."
He also cast doubt over the credibility of some of Declan Rice's statement,
I don't understand where that proud Englishman was when he was singing the Irish national anthem.
