Declan Rice remains odds-on at 1/2 (representing a 67% chance) to declare for England, despite Mick McCarthy’s conversation with the West Ham midfielder’s father in recent days.
Paddy Power maintain that there is just a 40% chance (6/4) that the 19-year-old will the Republic Ireland soccer squad – even after the recent rapid shake-up of its management.
McCarthy confirmed over the weekend that he is to hold discussions with the teenager next month about his international future with the Boys In Green.
But a spokesperson for Paddy Power say they are not holding out much hope that Big Mick will win him around with his powers of persuasion.
“Forget about Declan’s father, we think Mick is going to have to go straight to the top and have a word in Santa’s ear if he is to have any hope of making this Christmas wish come through. And it remains odds-on that Rice will become Gareth Southgate’s little helper instead.”
No More Mister Rice GuyDeclan Rice to declare for England – 1/2
Declan Rice to declare for Ireland – 6/4