Declan Rice is hoping to continue a dream 2016 by making his Republic of Ireland U21 debut this week.
The centre-half does not turn 18 until January, but he has already signed a three-year professional contract, won the Dylan Tombides Award, featured on West Ham United’s pre-season tour of the United States and been appointed captain of the Club’s Premier League 2 side.
A strong and composed defender and mature character, Rice has previously been capped at U17 and U19 level, and could make his U21 bow against Slovakia or Czech Republic in La Manga.
“It’s been a really good year for me, to be honest,” said the teenager, who has travelled with Noel King’s squad to a week-long training camp and friendly double-header in Spain.
“I am so pleased with the call-up because, to be honest, I didn’t expect it. I was not included in the Under-19 squad, so I thought I’d be getting the international break off, but of course I was buzzing to get the call for the Under-21s.
“We’ve got two games against Slovakia and the Czech Republic in La Manga, so hopefully I’ll get on the pitch and make my debut.
“Josh Cullen has also linked up with the squad after playing for Bradford at the weekend and I’ll be speaking to him about the Under-21s and that will help me to settle in.”
Terry spoke to me at the start of the season and told me it was time to step up and start leading and organising, and so far it’s gone well
Declan Rice
For Rice, inclusion in King’s squad for the first time is reward for a consistent start to 2016/17, during which he has captained the Hammers in nine Premier League 2 fixtures and a Checkatrade Trophy tie at Coventry City.
“This season, playing Premier League 2 football and against senior players in the Checkatrade Trophy are different levels to the old U21 Premier League, and they’ve really helped my game come on,”
“I think I’ve been quite consistent this season. Luckily enough, I’ve had the opportunity to play regularly for the PL2 side and we have carried on our form as a team from last season.
“Terry spoke to me at the start of the season and told me it was time to step up and start leading and organising, and so far it’s gone well.
“I’ve been called over to train with the first-team squad a fair few times, too, so I just have to keep working hard and take my chances if they come.”
*Rice’s fellow countryman Anthony Scully featured twice for Republic of Ireland U18s during the international break, helping the young Boys in Green to a goalless draw with the Netherlands, before starring in a narrow 3-2 defeat by Germany. Both matches were played in Cambrils on Spain’s Mediterranean coast.