We are just about ten days from Ireland’s World Cup playoff with the Czech Republic in Prague, and there’s been a very interesting development for those of us curious about the squad Heimir Hallgrímsson will select.
FIFA have today confirmed that QPR midfielder Harvey Vale has switched nationalities from England to Ireland.
The news was confirmed via an update to FIFA’s Change of Association Platform today.
FIFA Change of Association Platform switches of the day (13 March)
Dino Delic 🇧🇦➡️🇦🇹
Harvey Vale 🏴➡️🇮🇪
Adrian Segecic 🇦🇺➡️🇭🇷
Sami Bouhoudane 🇳🇱➡️🇲🇦@David2095_Sport @windowintlpod @BosniaNTBall @AustraliaFut @FutLegionnaires @IrelandFootball @croatian_footy
— Albaniaco🇦🇱 (@albtransfers) March 13, 2026
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Vale is an attacking midfielder who can play on the left or the right. He’s made 22 appearances for QPR this season – where he’s teammates with Ireland international Jimmy Dunne – scoring two goals.
The attacking midfielder came through the Chelsea academy and played for the Blues in 2022 in the League Cup. He had a prolific underage career with England, after being capped at U15, U16, U17, U19, and U20 level.
He captained the England team in the 2022 U19 Euros final that defeated Israel 3-1. That was a team that featured the likes of Liam Delap and Jarrell Quansah.
However, because of injuries, Vale’s career has stalled somewhat compared to his prodigious underage career. He had loan spells at Hull City and Bristol Rovers, and joined QPR fulltime this season after nearly moving to the Saudi League.
Joey Barton was full of praise when he managed him at Bristol Rovers. Vale was thrown in at left back but wasn’t out of his depth.
“The two games he’s played in there from the start I think he’s looked like a young Ashley Cole, he looks like he’s played there forever.”
“He’s a footballer who is high on football IQ, he’s got a great passing range, he can run, decent in the air.”
“The most pleasing thing for me if I’m honest is his attitude.”