Cardiff City star Harry Arter has denied his public spat with Roy Keane played a part in the decision of Declan Rice to switch from Republic of Ireland to England.
The on-loan Bournemouth midfielder, who grew up in England but represents Ireland through his grandparents, has broken his silence on Rice's controversial decision to change international allegiances.
The West Ham star has been picked by England boss Gareth Southgate and could make his Three Lions debut against Czech Republic in a Euro 2020 qualifier tonight (Friday, 7.45pm kick off).
Rice has come in for criticism from large parts of the Irish fanbase and Arter conceded it must have been a tough call for the 20-year-old.
"Personally, I don't think my situation (with Keane) was the big factor in Declan's decision, but his mind was turned at some point and you would have to ask him when that moment came," he said.
"I know how much it meant for Declan to play for Ireland, but clearly something changed last summer and it was partly due to his form with West Ham, the offer from England and maybe some other factors as well at that time.
"Declan is a young player and he has strong English and Irish connections in his family.
"I know how keen his dad was for him to wear the green shirt and play for Ireland, and that made his decision to walk away from the squad very difficult for him.
Cardiff City's summer transfer plans, Aron Gunnarsson's replacement and the loan extension questions
"Having spoken to him, I know he was torn by the decision he had to make and it was not a call he could make easily.
"Until his career is finished and he can assess what he has achieved, he won't know whether he has made the right move by switching to England, but I believe you have to respect what he has done."
