Republic of Ireland boss Hymir Hallgrimsson’s World Cup play-off squad includes a number of established internationals, but Harvey Weir will be a new name to most supporters.
QPR midfielder Weir has been included in Hallgrimsen’s 25-man squad for the play-off semi-final against the Czech Republic in Prague on March 26 and the final against either Denmark or North Macedonia in Dublin five days later.
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Speaking on Thursday, Hallgrimson said now was the “best time” to put the former England Under-19 captain under consideration as the Republic of Ireland attempt to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 2002.
BBC Sport took a closer look at the 22-year-old ahead of his potential debut for the Boys in Green.
How did his international career change come about?
Weir, whose grandfather was Irish-born and was issued an Irish passport just over a year ago, plays between England Under-15 and Under-20 levels.
His promotion comes quickly as FIFA confirmed his move to the Republic of Ireland last week.
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“It’s really exciting and I still feel connected to Ireland so it’s a natural for me really,” he told QPR in an internal interview.
How did he get here?
Vale captain leads England to European Under-19 glory in 2022 [Getty Images]
Weir spent time in the youth academies of Fulham and Chelsea before signing a professional contract with the Blues in September 2020.
In December 2021, he made his Chelsea debut under Thomas Tuchel, leading the team to start in the English League Cup quarter-final away victory over Brentford.
Weir made four more cup appearances for Chelsea in the 2021-22 season before participating in the 2022 European Under-19 Championship with England.
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He performed well at the tournament in Slovakia, leading the Young Lions to their 11th title and earning a spot in the tournament’s best team.
Weir also represented England at the 2023 Under-20 World Cup before joining Bristol Rovers on loan after joining Hull City on loan from Chelsea.
His form at Memorial Stadium was even more productive, scoring three goals in 47 games.
Returning to Chelsea, he made two UEFA League appearances under Enzo Maresca before joining Queens Park Rangers in February 2025.
Although a back injury delayed his QPR debut, he has clearly impressed Hallgrimsson in 23 Championship appearances this season.
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What type of player is he?
Football journalist David McIntyre, who has covered QPR for 26 years, said Vale’s versatility and ability on the ball make him a perfect fit for the Republic of Ireland.
McIntyre said: “He is a left-footed player who can play on the wing, left back, midfield or as a No. 10 behind the striker.”
“Lately, he’s been playing on the right so he can cut in with his left foot. He’s very good at that. Most of his best moments at QPR have come from this position.
“He has a good range of passes and good set-pieces. He’s not very strict with his pace but he’s a determined runner and certainly not slow.”
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While Weir joins QPR from Chelsea, McIntyre admits he has “lowered down” as forwards Richard Cohen and Rumaan Burrell, who have scored a combined 18 goals this season, have taken the spotlight.
“He’s definitely a good option for the Republic of Ireland. Consistent championship players like Josh Cullen are great in this team and Vale falls within that range,” McIntyre added.
“I can see why he’s got a place in the team. If they’re chasing a game he can give them something, but he’s also very clean on the ball so if you want to close down the field he can be an option.”
Vale scored in Queens Park Rangers’ Championship win over Leicester City last weekend [Getty Images]
What did he say?
Speaking to QPR, Weir said he was “very excited” to be called up at such a crucial time for the Republic of Ireland after speaking to Hallgrimson over the past 12 to 18 months.
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He also said defender Jimmy Dunne – another QPR player in Hallgrimson’s squad – had been “in my ear” talking about playing for the Republic of Ireland.
Now, if all goes well, he and the team’s performance could lead to their World Cup debut this summer.
Asked about the potential to help Republic of Ireland return to the World Cup, he said: “That’s it, that’s history.”
“If we win the next two games we’ll be in the World Cup and that means a lot to the country and it means a lot to me and all the players and fans.”
Weir also said that while his form at the club has been “up and down” at times, he has been encouraged by a steady run of games since Christmas, scoring and providing an assist in QPR’s 3-1 win over Leicester City last weekend.
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What did Holgrimson say?
Holgrimsson: “I spoke to him over a year ago when I was at Queen’s Park [Rangers] He expressed a desire to play for Ireland.
“He was injured so we have been following his development at QPR since then.
“He is growing every game and I think now is the right time to bring him into the team.
“We see him as a potential player for our future. Good player, good guy, hard worker, creator of chances, goalscorer. So I’m looking forward to starting working with him.”
