‘Declan Rice a future Republic of Ireland captain’ - Mick McCarthy wants to build team around West Ham starlet

Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy wants West Ham midfielder Declan Rice to make a final decision over his international future by the beginning of March.

London-born Rice has represented Ireland at every youth level having also made three appearances for the senior side.

None of those have come in competitive competition however with the 19-year-old starlet still eligible to represent England.

McCarthy has held what he describes as a “really good meeting” with Rice and his family and is hopeful of building a team around a player he believes can captain the Boys in Green one day.

"I think he's a really talented player," McCarthy said during an appearance on Goals on Sunday.

"I thought he was a lovely lad, he's got a really nice family behind him and he has everything about him that makes you want him to play for you.

"That's still my case, I want him to play for us.

"I'd love to build a team around him. We start in March and that's my deadline I guess, I need to know by then. I'd like to build a team around him and he could be a future captain - he's that type of player."

McCarthy has also spoken to former Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford with hopes of bringing the forward into the Irish setup.