England’s 2022 U19 Euro winning captain Harvey Vale (22) has switched allegiance to Ireland, according to Fifa.
The Sussex-born attacker emerged through the Chelsea system, taking the well-trodden route of loan spells.
He was exposed to first-team football at Hull City and Bristol Rovers after being restricted to just a couple of outings in Cup matches for his parent club.
Queen’s Park Rangers signed Vale on a permanent deal just over a year ago.
He’s made 22 appearances for the Championship club this season, lining out alongside Dundalk native Jimmy Dunne.
Having held an Irish passport for over a year, he’s now opted to throw his lot in with the FAI. Fifa confirmed the switch through their Change of Association Platform.
Comfortable on either flank or through the middle, it seems a stretch for him to be handed a debut call-up on Thursday when Heimir Hallgrímsson unveils his squad for the World Cup playoff semi-final in Czechia a week later.
The Icelander is likely to maintain his system involving wing-backs for the series, which will include against either Denmark or North Macedonia on March 31, be it for a World Cup place or wooden spoon.
Robbie Brady is in line for a recall despite suffering a small setback in his return from a serious calf injury while the sight of Chiedozie Ogbene ending his six-week gametime famine for Sheffield United in midweek is also encouraging.