Seamus Coleman insists he’d welcome back Declan Rice to the Ireland squad with ‘open arms’

SEAMUS COLEMAN has defended Declan Rice – insisting he’d welcome him back to the Republic of Ireland set-up with open arms after he withdrew from the latest squad.

The West Ham defender has made three appearance for Martin O’Neill’s men to date, but is now considering switching allegiances after learning of England’s interest.

That led to the 19-year-old controversially sitting out of Ireland’s upcoming games against Wales and Poland while he mulls over his international future.

While Rice has been criticised for that decision, Everton defender Coleman has lend his support to the youngster.

: “He’s 19 years old, he’s only kid at the end of the day.

“I’ve heard some comments from ex-players saying they knew what they were and all of the rest, but to be fair to Declan he was born and brought up in England.

“I’ll tell you one thing, I saw him after the Turkey game where he got man of the match.

“I saw him embrace his Dad in the tunnel, there’s no doubt about it, Declan has been proud playing for Ireland.”

The move would utilise the current loophole whereby players who have only earned senior caps outside competitive games can switch allegiances.

And for Rice that would allow him to represent the country of his birth.

Coleman, who will captain Ireland in their Uefa Nations League opener in Wales tonight, says whatever decision Rice makes he shouldn’t be judged for it.

He added: “It’s very easy for us and people on the outside to judge the situation.

“At the end of the day he may have got his head turned by England wanting him, which all of a sudden puts a decision in his mind which he didn’t have six months or a year ago.

“I think we’ve got to take a step back. I’ll welcome him back with open arms, because I’ve seen first-hand that when he’s worn the jersey he has been very proud.

“The three games that he played for us, he was our best player.”