Republic of Ireland call up former England Under-19s captain Harvey Vale

Harvey Vale, the former England Under-19s captain, has been called up by the Republic of Ireland for their World Cup play-off semi-final against the Czech Republic.

QPR midfielder Vale led England in their victorious Under-19 European Championship campaign in 2022 but had his request to switch allegiance approved by FIFA earlier this month.

And the former Chelsea youngster goes straight into Heimir Hallgrimsson’s 25-man squad for the clash in Prague next Thursday.

With striker Evan Ferguson out for the remainder of the season after sustaining an ankle injury on loan at Roma, much of the goalscoring burden falls on Troy Parrott, whose hat-trick against Hungary ensured Hallgrimsson’s side would be involved.

Uncapped goalkeeper Josh Keeley is also included as back-up to Caoimhin Kelleher, with Gavin Bazunu out, and suggestions that veteran striker David McGoldrick could reverse his retirement to feature have not been realised. Alan Browne and Robbie Brady both return.