Today happens to be Declan Rice's 20th birthday. And the FAI garnered some attention when they tweeted happy birthday to him.
Not just that, but they also referred to him as "Ireland international". That's despite the fact that he has yet to announce whether it'll be Ireland or England he'll represent at senior international level.
Happy birthday to Ireland international @_DeclanRice! 🇮🇪 #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/z4hcYYWTik
— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) January 14, 2019
The West Ham midfielder is expected to reveal his decision soon. But what has Keith Andrews made of the situation?
Our Keith Andrews Show host and former Ireland midfielder spoke to Jamie Moore at the Spar Primary School 5s.
"To be honest, I would have been one of the ones that was angry when he first decided to press pause on his international career and look at the option of England," said Keith of Declan Rice.
"I was angry, but I think he’d revolutionise the team if he comes back"
What's Keith Andrews making of that @FAIreland tweet wishing “Ireland international” @__Declanrice a happy 20th birthday?
Does it mean he’s going to declare for 🇮🇪?@BoyleSports pic.twitter.com/WczafL2Bs9
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) January 14, 2019
Revolutionise
"That's certainly decreased in recent months. I'm just hopeful that he can come back and play for us because would revolutionise the team. He's that good and I've seen a lot of him underage for Ireland.
"It didn't really surprise that much, how well he adapted."
Meanwhile, former Ireland manager Martin O'Neill is expected to become Nottingham Forest manager. The ex-Leicester City boss won two European Cups as a player for the club under Brian Clough.
"It's a massive opportunity for him," said Keith.
"People might look at it and not realise the finances that have been spent on players in the last 12 months. They have a wealthy owner and a serious ambition to get that club promoted."
Martin O'Neill is set to be appointed by @NFFC Nottingham Forest!
What are Keith Andrews thoughts on the former 🇮🇪@FAIreland boss' new gig?
He's been chatting to @JamieMooreSport @BoyleSports pic.twitter.com/MZBLdyThZP
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) January 14, 2019
You can listen to the full chat on Now That's What I Call Sport on Sunday. Keith will be back this Thursday 12.30pm with the latest Keith Andrews Show episode.
