Republic of Ireland coach Martin O'Neill says West Ham midfielder Declan Rice must decide his international future himself.

O'Neill reiterated that the decision is firmly with the player and he will respect whatever road he takes.

"These issues are far from cut and dry and I'm well aware of it. Until someone decides this is it. Not only has he got what I call soulful decisions but he also has to consider other decisions, he has to consider, well, the idea of maybe performing for England, you would accept it's more difficult to play for England, but the enhancements that go along with that, a lot of them have to be considered in this day and age.

A report from England last week suggested Rice has already made up his mind to play for England but O'Neill stated he is in regular contact with the family and says stories have broken "without foundation".

"That may well be the case, I don't know. I'm in contact with the family and they said they would let us know.

"There was a story last week and a couple of weeks before that. There was a story broken that was without foundation. The player will have the decision.

"I'm not waiting every single moment. I would hope that he would come and play for us, that would be great, for the next 10 or 12 years for him, but he's got things to consider and whatever decision he comes up with..I will abide with."