Former Irish international Declan Rice has issued a statement apologising for posting 'Up the RA' on social media three years ago.

The 20-year-old swapped international allegiance to England in recent months - after playing for Ireland at youth and senior level.

The West Ham star is aiming to copper-fasten the switch by playing for England in a Euro 2020 qualifier against the Czech Republic tomorrow.

Today, he issued an apology over a 2015 social media post in which he wrote: "Up the RA – Wait till we draw England."

His statement today reads: "I am aware that a poorly expressed comment I made when I was a junior player has been circulated on social media."

"I recognise now that my attempt to show support for my teammates at the time could be negatively interpreted.

"While my naive words were not meant to be a political opinion  and do not represent who I am, I sincerely apologise for any offence I caused."

Image: Declan Rice/Instagram

England play the Czech Republic at Wembley at 19:45pm tomorrow.

Ireland will kick off their qualifying campaign in Gibraltar at 5pm on Saturday.