Former England U19 captain Vale in Republic of Ireland squad

ByMatt Gault

BBC Sport NI senior journalist

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.

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 Hallgrimssom, who revealed during his news conference that he has signed a contract extension until 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 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 in his 25-man panel 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 call-up for uncapped 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 (19:45 GMT).

Victory for Hallgrimsson's side would set up a play-off final at home to Denmark or North Macedonia on 31 March.

Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Brentford), Mark Travers (Everton), Josh Keeley (Luton)

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Jimmy Dunne (QPR), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich), Jake O'Brien (Everton), John Egan (Hull City), James Abankwah (Watford), Liam Scales (Celtic), Robbie Brady (Preston), Ryan Manning (Southampton)

Midfielders: Jayson Molumby (West Brom), Bosun Lawal (Stoke), Jack Taylor (Ipswich), Alan Browne (Middlesbrough, on loan from Sunderland), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Finn Azaz (Southampton), Harvey Vale (QPR)

Forwards: Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Adam Idah (Swansea City), Johnny Kenny (Bolton, on loan from Ipswich), Chiedozie Ogbene (Sheffield United, on loan from Ipswich), Sammie Szmodics (Derby, on loan from Ipswich)

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 host 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.

"His name came up when we were looking at the strikers options," said Hallgrimsson.

"We just wanted to see what options we had. He is one that has done exceptionally well in his career and is doing well at this moment. I know his age but we wanted to know what option we would have."

Hallgrimsson used Thursday's news conference to reveal that he has signed a new deal that takes him through to the end of the Euro 2028 campaign.

The Icelander's contractual situation has been in focus with his initial deal set to expire at the end of the current World Cup cycle.

The former Iceland and Jamaica boss was a surprise choice to succeed Stephen Kenny in 2024.

While he has endured difficult moments in charge including a 5-0 Nations League loss to England and a shock World Cup qualifying defeat by Armenia, he led the team to three straight wins and the chance to finally return to the finals of football's global showpiece.

"I'm happy to be here, I like the project," he said.

"I said I wanted to do that after the qualification or tournament, but it was a big pressure from the association for me to sign before these play-off matches.

"I said I didn't want to be where I was not wanted and I really felt that I was wanted so we decided to extend the contract until the Euros."

Football Association of Ireland (FAI) chief executive David Courrell said Hallgrimsson, 58, has brought "clear vision, a strong tactical identity, and a sense of belief" back to the team.

Hallgrimsson also said assistant coach John O'Shea is keen to continue but is yet to sign a new deal.