Former England U19 captain Vale in Republic of Ireland squad
· Yahoo Sports
Former England Under-19 captain Harvey Vale has been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad for next week's World Cup play-off semi-final against the Czech Republic.
Visit asg-reflektory.pl for more information.
The 22-year-old Queens Park Rangers midfielder, who started his senior career at Chelsea, represented England up to under-20 level and captained their European Under-19 Championship triumph in 2022.
Vale, who holds an Irish passport, earns an immediate call-up after his allegiance switch was confirmed by Fifa last week.
"I talked to him over a year ago," said Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson.
"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 player, good person, hard-working guy, creator of chances and scoring goals, so I'm looking forward 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 side would set up a play-off final at home to Denmark or North Macedonia on 31 March.
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
After scoring a double against Portugal, Troy Parrott's hat-trick in the 3-2 win over Hungary sealed the Republic of Ireland's place in the play-offs [Getty Images]In addition to Vale and Keeley, uncapped Watford defender James Abankwah has been included to strengthen Hallgrimsson's defensive options as Liam Scales is suspended for the Czech Republic game.
Stoke City midfielder Bosun Lawal will also hope to earn his first senior cap after making 12 appearances for the Republic of Ireland Under-21 side.
The newer faces join a hoist of established internationals in Hallgrimsson's squad.
Seamus Coleman, 37, is included despite having only played 10 minutes for Everton since the Republic of Ireland's games in November.
First-choice Caoimhin Kelleher and defenders Nathan Collins, Dara O'Shea and Jake O'Brien - all of whom started the wins over Portugal and Hungary - are all included.
Troy Parrott is expected to lead the line after scoring five goals across those two games.
Parrott, 24, has scored 27 goals for AZ Alkmaar this season, including three in his last two games.
With Evan Ferguson injured, there had been reports that Hallgrimsson was considering a recall for veteran striker David McGoldrick, who retired from international duty in 2020.
However, despite scoring 14 goals in League One for Barnsley this season, the 38-year-old is not included.