Kilbane is not mincing his words.
Kevin Kilbane is known as one of the nicer guys in football, but the former Ireland midfielder and defender has immediately washed his hands of Declan Rice after it became clear the young player was considering announcing for England.
Kilbane, who represented Ireland at the 2002 World Cup, tweeted: “I’d rather be ranked 150th in the world and never qualify again than have someone who has played, but needs time to THINK whether they should play for us again. Well done to MON for transparency.”
Rice has played in in the Ireland youth set-up throughout his career, as well as three senior Ireland friendlies, but is still eligible to announce for England. Born in England, Rice is eligible to play for Ireland through his grandparents, who are from Cork.
The 19-year-old, who plays his club football for West Ham, has been left out of Martin O’Neill’s squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League games, as he deliberates on whether or not to confirm his loyalties to the boys in green.
Kilbane himself was born in Preston, but chose to represent Ireland on the international stage, playing 110 times for the national side.
I’d rather be ranked 150th in the world and never qualify again than have someone who has played, but needs time to THINK whether they should play for us again. Well done to MON for transparency. https://t.co/6oXlwXEpaP
— Kevin Kilbane (@kdkilbane77) August 27, 2018
Gary Lineker decided to stick the boot in, replying to Kilbane’s tweet by saying: “Think he’d look good in a white shirt.”
Think he’d look good in a white shirt 😉
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) August 27, 2018
