Kevin Kilbane’s reaction to the news that Declan Rice wants time to consider his international allegiance was filled with pride and passion for the Republic of Ireland. 

“I’d rather be ranked 150th in the world and never qualify again than have someone who has played, but needs time to THINK whether they should play for us again,” Kilbane tweeted. Well done to MON for transparency.”

Kilbane, although born in England, always wanted to represent the country of his parents’ birth and he even turned down a call up to the England U-18 squad early in his career. He went on to represent the Republic of Ireland on 110 occasions in what was a fantastic international career.

Unfortunately, such is the world of social media, a passionate tweet like Kilbane’s will always be open to the odd troll or someone looking to make some fun and that is what Gary Lineker did.

Think he’d look good in a white shirt 😉

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) August 27, 2018

Of course, it’s just a bit of fun from the former England international but Irish supporters may not see the funny side as they will wait eagerly for the news over the coming weeks on Rice’s ultimate decision.

Read More About: Declan Rice, gary lineker, kevin kilbane