Republic of Ireland international Harry Arter claims the whole squad is behind Declan Rice, with the West Ham youngster still yet to decide where his international allegiance lies.
The 19-year old defender-cum-midfielder, who has made already made three appearances for the Boys in Green, told The Times earlier today that the decision to choose either England or Ireland is “one of the hardest decisions [he] will have to make in [his] career.”
But Arter says that whoever he chooses to represent, the Ireland squad will respect his decision.
Talking to RTÉ sfm’s Game On, as reported by RTÉ, Arter said:
Declan’s a young lad. He’s someone I’ve only spent one squad with, but what I’ll say is that he’s a lovely boy, someone who wants to be the best player he can possibly be and players that have dual nationality it is a tough decision to make.
The manager has given him the full respect of leaving him out of the squad, supporting him throughout the whole thing, and I know as a squad we’re doing the same.
He’s a top player, someone who will reach as high as he wants in my opinion. His attitude and work ethic is unbelievable. You see so many young players nowadays with all the ability but who probably don’t realise what it takes to get to the top.
Declan seems very old school in his beliefs and his upbringing. If he does pick England it will be a massive loss to us, there’s no denying that. But as I say it is difficult for players when they have two countries they have string feelings for.
As I say I know as a squad we’ve supported him and as a mate I’ll be supporting him.
