Uncapped Harvey Vale has been named in the Republic of Ireland’s squad for the World Cup play-offs.
The QPR midfielder, who joined the club from Chelsea last season, is included in Heimir Hallgrimsson’s 25-man squad for next Thursday’s World Cup play-off semi-final against the Czech Republic in Prague.
The 22-year-old’s call-up comes after Hallgrimsson signed a contract extension which will run until Euro 2028.
Harvey Vale could make his Ireland debut in Prague
Victory over the Czech Republic would see Hallgrimsson’s side host either Denmark or North Macedonia on March 31 for a spot at this summer’s World Cup.
Haywards Heath-born Vale, who represented England up to U20 level and captained their European U19 victory over Israel in 2022, holds an Irish passport and has been called up after his allegiance switch was ratified by FIFA last week.
Hallgrimsson explained that he contacted Vale “over a year ago” to suggest that the former Bristol Rovers and Hull City forward should put himself forward for national team selection.
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Vale scored in QPR’s win at Leicester last weekend
“He expressed a desire to play for Ireland. He was injured then, so we have been watching him. His development at QPR has been growing, and it’s a perfect time to bring him into the squad,” Hallgrimsson said.
“Good player, good person, hard-working guy, creator of chances and scoring goals, so I’m looking forward to working with Harvey.”
Meanwhile, there is a place in the squad for Preston winger Robbie Brady, who missed the qualifying campaign with a calf injury, and Ipswich forward Sammie Szmodics returns after he missed the previous international break through injury.
Alan Browne’s performances at Championship promotion-chasing Middlesbrough have earned him a call-up alongside uncapped Luton goalkeeper Josh Keeley, while veteran Everton defender Seamus Coleman is included.
Ireland owe their place in the play-offs to the heroics of AZ Alkmaar striker Troy Parrott, who makes the squad.
The 24-year-old scored both their goals in a 2-0 home win over Portugal and then netted a famous hat-trick in the last-gasp 3-2 win over Hungary in Budapest to dramatically keep Ireland’s World Cup hopes alive.
He is expected to lead the line against the Czech Republic as Ireland bid to reach the World Cup for the first time since 2002.
Republic of Ireland squad
Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher, Mark Travers, Josh Keeley
Defenders: Seamus Coleman, Jimmy Dunne, Nathan Collins, Dara O’Shea, Jake O’Brien, John Egan, James Abankwah, Liam Scales, Robbie Brady, Ryan Manning
Midfielders: Jayson Molumby, Bosun Lawal, Jack Taylor, Alan Browne, Jason Knight, Finn Azaz, Harvey Vale
Forwards: Troy Parrott, Adam Idah, Johnny Kenny, Chiedozie Ogbene, Sammie Szmodics
Hallgrimsson: I really felt I was wanted
Hallgrimsson agreed to extend his Ireland contract until the end of Euro 2028 after “big pressure” from his employers.
The Icelandic boss revealed at the end of his squad announcement that he had just signed on the dotted line.
“I’m happy to be here, I like the project,” Hallgrimsson said.
“I wanted to do that [extend] after the qualification or after the tournament but it was a big pressure from the association to sign before these play-off matches.
“I said again, ‘I don’t want to be where I’m not wanted’ and I really felt I was wanted. So we decided to extend the contract until after the Euros.”
The Football Association of Ireland responded on X, posting: “Great news for Irish football! We are delighted to announce that Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has committed his future to the FAI by signing a new contract.”
Hallgrimsson, who took over in 2024, faces a stiff challenge to book a place among the world’s best this summer – needing to beat a Czech side ranked 16 places higher on their own soil before a final against Denmark or North Macedonia.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: skynews.com
