'Perfect time' for Vale - but who is new Republic of Ireland call-up?
· Yahoo Sports
Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson's squad for the World Cup play-offs features a clutch of established internationals, but Harvey Vale will be a new name to most supporters.
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Queens Park Rangers midfielder Vale has been included in Hallgrimsson's 25-man squad for the play-off semi-final against the Czech Republic in Prague on 26 March and potential final with Denmark or North Macedonia in Dublin five days later.
Speaking on Thursday, Hallgrimsson said it is the "perfect time" to bring the former England Under-19 captain into the reckoning as the Republic of Ireland attempt to reach the World Cup finals for the first time since 2002.
Before his potential debut for the Boys in Green, BBC Sport takes a closer look at the 22-year-old.
- Former England U19 captain Vale in Republic of Ireland squad
- Brentford, the World Cup and an itch to return to Gaelic football
How did his international switch come about?
Capped by England between under-15 and under-20 level, Vale has an Irish-born grandfather and obtained his Irish passport more than a year ago.
With Fifa having confirmed his allegiance switch to the Republic of Ireland last week, his ascension to the squad has happened swiftly.
"It's really exciting, I still really feel that connection to Ireland, so it was a no-brainer for me really," he told QPR in an in-house interview.
How has he got here?
Vale captained England to European Under-19 glory in 2022 [Getty Images]Vale spent time in the Fulham and Chelsea academies before signing a professional deal with the Blues in September 2020.
In December 2021, he made his Chelsea debut under Thomas Tuchel, starting his side's EFL Cup quarter-final win away to Brentford.
Vale went on to make another four cup appearances for Chelsea in the 2021-22 season before he linked up with the England squad for the 2022 European Under-19 Championship.
He starred at the tournament in Slovakia, captaining the Young Lions to their 11th title and earning a place in the team of the tournament.
Having spent time on loan away from Chelsea at Hull, Vale also featured for England at the Under-20 World Cup in 2023 before joining Bristol Rovers on loan.
His stint at Memorial Stadium proved more fruitful as he scored three goals in 47 appearances.
Following his return to Chelsea, he featured twice in the Uefa Conference League under Enzo Maresca before joining QPR in February 2025.
While a back injury delayed his QPR debut until August, he has clearly left enough of an impression on Hallgrimsson during his 23 Championship appearances this season.
What type of player is he?
Football journalist David McIntyre, who has covered QPR for 26 years, says Vale's versatility and ability on the ball could make him a great fit for the Republic of Ireland.
"He's left-footed, he can play on the wing, left-back, centre midfield or as a 10 behind the striker," said McIntyre.
"Recently, he's been playing on the right so he can cut in on his left foot. He's very good at that. Most of his best moments for QPR have come from that position.
"He has a good range of passing and a good set-piece delivery. He doesn't have serious pace but he's a determined runner and he's certainly not slow."
While Vale joined QPR from Chelsea, McIntyre admits he has gone "under the radar" with much of the spotlight on strikers Richard Kone and Rumarn Burrell, who have netted a combined 18 goals this season.
"He's definitely a good option for the Republic of Ireland. Solid Championship players like Josh Cullen have done well in that squad and Vale falls into that bracket," added McIntyre.
"I can see why he's got a place in the squad. If they were chasing a game, he can give them something, but he's also neat and tidy in possession so he can be an option if you're looking to shut up shop."
Vale scored in QPR's Championship win over Leicester last weekend [Getty Images]What has he said?
Speaking to QPR, Vale said he was "so buzzing" to have been called up at such a crucial juncture for the Republic of Ireland after speaking to Hallgrimsson over the past 12-18 months.
He also said defender Jimmy Dunne - the other QPR player in Hallgrimsson's squad - had been "in my ear" about playing for the Republic of Ireland.
Now, if things go his and the team's way, a World Cup debut could be on the horizon this summer.
"That's it, it's history," he said when asked about the potential of helping the Republic of Ireland seal a World Cup return.
"If we win the next two games we're into a World Cup, which is massive for the country, massive for me and for all the players and fans."
Vale also said that while his club form has been "up and down" at times, he feels buoyed by a consistent run of games since Christmas having scored and provided an assist in QPR's 3-1 win over Leicester last weekend.
What did Hallgrimsson say?
Hallgrimsson: "I talked to him over a year ago when I was at Queens Park [Rangers] and he expressed a desire to play for Ireland.
"He was injured at that time so we have been watching him since then, his development at Queens Park Rangers.
"He's been growing by every game and I think it's a perfect time to bring him into this squad now.
"We see him as a potential future player for us. Good player, good person, hard-working guy, creator of chances, scoring goals. So I'm looking forward to starting to work with him."