West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini has admitted teenager Declan Rice has a tough call to make over which country he chooses to represent internationally.

The teenage defender is one of the brightest prospects at the London Stadium, and has already played some football this season under the Chilean boss.

He is almost certain to play some sort of part in Pellegrini’s plans during his reign at the club, but he faces a hard decision over his international career.

Rice is in-demand from both the Republic of Ireland and England as he begins his journey on the international stage.

The 19-year-old has made three appearances in friendlies for the Republic of Ireland, and has featured at various youth levels for them.

But Rice was not included in Ireland’s most recent squad for their Nations League opener against Wales, and manager Martin O’Neill confirmed that the youngster is considering an invitation from England.

And Pellegrini is confident he has the talent to make the grade for England if Rice chooses to do so.

“He has a big problem, but I think that his heart must decide if he feels more Irish or more English,” said Pellegrini. “He is 19 years old and his future will allow him to play for England or Ireland.

“Maybe for him it can be more easy to play for Ireland, but if you trust in yourself and you feel that you are an English player… It is a personal decision, it is very difficult to give advice, but I am always speaking with him because he is young and he has a lot of future.

“With the way he is managing his career, at 19 years old, he is a player that is completing his development as a player in a physical way.

“When you are 19 you need to be strong – he is a strong player, he is a good technical player. I think he has a big future.

“With England he will have big competition, but I think he is able to take that challenge, without giving him a decision. He must take the decision himself.”
[Quotes via the42.ie]