Along with many Irish football fans viewing this morning's papers, Brian Kerr couldn't but wonder whether the "big smiley head" on Declan Rice was good or bad news for Ireland's (potentially) hottest prospect.
Scoring his first senior goal for West Ham United in their 1-0 defeat of Arsenal yesterday afternoon, the former Irish manager described the frustration he felt that such uncertainty still surrounds Rice's international future.
"It is a ridiculous situation," Kerr stated in conversation with Off the Ball.
"We're talking about a lad who has played three senior matches for us playing for somebody else.
"In many ways it is outrageous really."
Outlining his dissatisfaction with a system of rules that could allow such a change so late in the day, Kerr resents the fact that Ireland have been caught up in such an issue.
"If you throw your lot in and play senior international football with somebody, that should be the end of it, Kerr argued.
"I also think the rules should say you cannot change your allegiance if you play U-21, that should be the end of it."
Although he remains uncertain whether or not Rice will make his return to the Irish fold, Kerr retains a sense of hopefulness.
"I think Mick [McCarthy] would have had a good influence," Kerr stated of the recently appointed Republic of Ireland manager.
Acknowledging that yesterday signaled "a defining moment" in the young career of Declan Rice, Kerr believes Irish fans may have been that bit happier if the versatile youngster had "scored an own-goal and Arsenal won the match."
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