Time to embrace domestic game rather than flit eyes at likes of Rice

There are times when the production line of ‘Plastic Paddy’ jibes can begin to take its toll. When the joke about FAI standing for ‘Find An Irishman’ can cut a mite too deep.

And never more so than this week with Declan Rice’s switch of allegiance from the Republic of Ireland to England and the uncomfortable questions it leaves us as a football nation.