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Ireland coach O'Neill counting on West Ham defender Rice returning

Republic of Ireland coach Martin O'Neill is counting on West Ham defender Declan Rice reaffirming his commitment.

O'Neill confirmed he hopes to have Rice and Cardiff City midfielder Harry Arter back in his squad for next month's UEFA Nations League games against Denmark and Wales in Dublin.

Rice is considering his international options amid interest from England and Arter has decided to return to the Ireland set-up after his row with Keane, yet O'Neill was asked whether he expects the duo to return to his set-up next month.

"That would be nice (to have the duo back) and in an ideal world that would be terrific," he added. "I hope that will be the case. Confidence has been restored after this performance and we are ready to go in those games."

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