Richie Towell called up as Rice absent once again from Irish squad
Declan Rice has not been included in Martin O’Neill’s provisional Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming Nations League games against Wales and Denmark.
As expected, Rice is continuing to mull over his international future, but reconciliation with Harry Arter has worked and he returns.
Seamus Coleman (foot), Jonathan Walters (Achilles) and Stephen Ward (knee) are out injured. Robbie Brady has also not recovered in time after long-term injury.
Martin O’Neill confirmed Bournemouth midfielder Arter, on loan at Cardiff, has spoken with Roy Keane following their falling-out during the summer.
“Harry Arter and Roy have had conversations. They are pretty happy,” said O’Neill. “He wants to put it behind him. Harry is happy with the outcome.”
On Rice, O’Neill insisted that Keane’s well-publicised row with Arter and Jon Walters has had no bearing on the West Ham midfielder’s delay in deciding on his international future.
“I have spoken to Declan Rice’s family. They want a little more time to make their minds up. He hasn’t chosen anyone yet,” said O’Neill, who remains “hopeful” the teenager will add to his three Ireland caps.
Former SSE Airtricity League Player of the Year Towell is included for the first time, while Arter, Darragh Lenihan, Derrick Williams, Greg Cunningham, Alan Browne, Shane Long, Seanie Maguire and Scott Hogan return to the squad after missing the September matches.
James McClean has recovered from his broken wrist sustained ahead of the Wales game last month to take his place in the squad.
Ireland kicked off their Nations League campaign with a 4-1 defeat in Cardiff last month, and will host the Danes on Saturday 13 October before Wales arrives at the Aviva Stadium three days later.
Republic of Ireland provisional squad:
Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph (Middlesbrough), Colin Doyle (Hearts), Sean McDermott (Kristiansund BK)
Defenders: Cyrus Christie (Fulham), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Shane Duffy (Brighton & Hove Albion), Richard Keogh (Derby County), Ciaran Clark (Newcastle United), Kevin Long (Burnley), John Egan, Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), Darragh Lenihan, Derrick Williams (Blackburn Rovers), Greg Cunningham (Cardiff City)
Midfielders: Alan Judge (Brentford), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Shaun Williams (Millwall), David Meyler (Reading), Harry Arter (Cardiff City*), Daryl Horgan (Hibernian), Callum O’Dowda (Bristol City), James McClean (Stoke City), Richie Towell (Rotherham United*)
Forwards: Shane Long (Southampton), Graham Burke, Callum Robinson, Sean Maguire (Preston North End), Aiden O’Brien (Millwall), Scott Hogan (Aston Villa), Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth)
*Indicates player is on loan
