Former England Under-19 captain Harvey Weir has been named in the Republic of Ireland squad for next week’s World Cup play-off semi-final against the Czech Republic.
The 22-year-old QPR midfielder began his career at Chelsea, represented England at under-20 level and captained England to the European Under-19 Championship in 2022.
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Vale, who holds an Irish passport, was immediately called up after FIFA confirmed his allegiance last week.
“I spoke to him over a year ago,” Republic of Ireland coach Hymir Hallgrimsson said.
“He expressed a desire to play for Ireland. He was injured at the time so we were keeping an eye on him. His development at Queen’s Park has been progressing and now is the perfect time to bring him into the squad.
“Good player, good person, hard worker, creator of chances and goals, so I’m looking forward to working with Xavi.”
Hallgrimsen also recalled veteran Preston winger Robbie Brady after he missed the qualifying round with a calf injury.
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With Josh Cullen injured, midfielder Alan Brown – who has impressed on loan at Middlesbrough from Sunderland – has also been included and could make his first senior appearance since 2024.
Sammie Szmodics also returns, while Luton Town goalkeeper Josh Keeley has received his first call-up.
After dramatic qualifying wins over Portugal and Hungary, the Republic of Ireland – which last qualified for the World Cup in 2002 – will face the Czech Republic in Prague on March 26.
If Hallgrimsen’s side win, they will meet either Denmark or North Macedonia in the play-off final on March 31.
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republic of ireland
goalkeeper: Cowichan Kelleher, Mark Travers, Josh Keeley
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Defender: Seamus Coleman / Jimmy Dunn / Nathan Collins / Dara O’Shea / Jack O’Brien / John Egan / James Abankwa / Liam Scales / Robbie Brady / Ryan Manning
Midfield: Jason Molumby, Bosun Lawal, Jake Taylor, Alan Brown, Finn Azaz, Harvey Weir
forward: Troy Parrott, Adam Ida, Johnny Kenny, Chidozi Ogbeni, Sami Smodic
