Former England Under-19 captain Harvey Vale has been referred to as as much as the Republic of Ireland squad for subsequent week’s World Cup play-off semi-final towards the Czech Republic.
The 22-year-old Queens Park Rangers midfielder, who began his senior profession at Chelsea, represented England as much as under-20 stage and captained their European Under-19 Championship triumph in 2022.
Vale, who holds an Irish passport, earns a right away call-up after his allegiance change was confirmed by Fifa final week.
“I talked to him over a year ago,” stated Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimssom, who revealed throughout his information convention that he has signed a contract extension till 2028.
“He expressed a desire to play for Ireland. He was injured then so we have been watching him. His development at Queens Park has been growing and it’s a perfect time to bring him into the squad.
“Good participant, good particular person, hard-working man, creator of probabilities and scoring targets, so I’m wanting ahead to working with Harvey.”
Hallgrimsson has also recalled veteran Preston wideman Robbie Brady after he missed the qualifying campaign with a calf injury.
With key midfielder Josh Cullen injured, midfielder Alan Browne – who has impressed on loan for Middlesbrough from Sunderland – is included and could win his first cap since 2024.
Sammie Szmodics also returns after missing most of the qualifying campaign, while there is a first call-up for Luton Town goalkeeper Josh Keeley.
Having salvaged their qualifying campaign with dramatic wins over Portugal and Hungary, the Republic of Ireland – who last qualified for the World Cup in 2002 – face the Czech Republic in Prague on 26 March.
Victory for Hallgrimsson’s facet would arrange a play-off ultimate at residence to Denmark or North Macedonia on 31 March.
