Declan Rice produced another stellar performance in the claret and blue of West Ham this weekend, but interest on this side of the water is in whether he is willing to do it once again in the green of Ireland.
West Ham earned a credible draw at home to Chelsea on Sunday afternoon and the 19-year-old outshone World Cup and two-time Premier League winner N'Golo Kante as the game's outstanding midfielder.
Speaking on Monday morning's #OTBAM, football writer John Brewin gave his take on Rice's current scenario.
"He's a hugely talented player and that at the age of 19, you wouldn't expect him to be promoted into the England squad at the moment because there are a few midfielders around," he told Eoin Sheahan.
"But you could see Gareth Southgate make that call, most certainly."
Southgate has a track record of placing his trust in younger players and has shown he is unafraid to leave out anyone he thinks is not adding value to the squad - leaving no room in his planning for sentimental selections.
"It must be very frustrating from an outsider looking in. I would question how much work has been done to help make him feel comfortable within the Irish set-up.
"You'd also say that Southgate is a sort of horse whisperer and might be a little bit more convincing than Martin O'Neill.
"He also has a lot more to bargain with - the chance to play in European Championships and in the World Cup. That's what footballers want to do when they play international football."
Rice has appeared at underage level for Ireland but has decided to take some time away from the international game to weigh up his options. He didn't feature in Ireland's opening UEFA Nations League defeat to Wales, nor did he play any part in the draw away to Poland.
"I understand this issue of 'being Irish'. This dual nationality thing is becoming such a common topic in international football.
"Declan Rice just so happens to be the most high profile player in that picture at the moment.
"But listening to him, he's very English."
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