Luca Connell

Firstly, and I can't emphasis this enough, the bit in bold needs stamping out. It's f**king ridiculous!!

I think my own posting history attests to my knowledge of 'such thing' quite well. It  isn't in doubt anywhere. It also doesn't change the fact that players have a choice to make. From an ideological point of view, and if I am honest that is my sole point of view, I don't agree with capping them to tie them down. It seems unjust and reflects badly on us and our own respect for our team. I understand that other people are less moralistic in these matters.

Lets just say Wilson is an example that backs up your case, it doesn't change the fact that you are exaggerating Wales' policy to suit your argument that we should cap everybody who looks remotely capable. They may do it, but largely they have had some excellent players coming through, recent history of success in bringing young players through together and a lack of depth that makes it easier to do so.

You also have no idea of how the players themselves feel now about their decisions, or would have if they stayed,  despite claiming to understand 'dual-heritage', nobody has.It would be the same if they remained with us.  It will be as unique to them as my view of Irishness is to me or yours is to you. It is also liable to change, my view of Ireland and Irishness is different from when I was 25 and that is different from when I was 25. You have no idea if Rice would or wouldn't have regretted playing for us in five years time. All we can do is surmise. I do think it is fair to say that if Rice continued with us he would have given his all, but what would his thoughts be if he continued to develop into a top player and England won the next World Cup?

I also think I was one of the few people on here who understood and respected his decision(not looking for f**king kudos or anything there, merely saying) and pointed out it wasn't contradictory for him to care about playing for us and then choosing England. I think players should be allowed make the decision themselves without having their heads turned when they are barely old enough to vote. We will lose some, we will gain more, but it would reflect far better on us as a footballing nation.

If the players have shown the potential and ability they should be picked on those two requirements only.

If Rice gets capped, I'd bet my house Luca does not get picked for the Portugal camp. He then continues his fine form post Bolton and gets called up by England and goes on to be the greatest sitting midfielder of a generation.

It's all if and buts. 

straight from the brian clough school of management 

Are you sure? Callum O'Dowda, Aiden O'Brien, Ronan Curtis?