QPR midfielder Harvey Vale was something of a bolter when Heimir Hallgrímsson named his Ireland squad for the World Cup playoffs on Thursday afternoon.
The 22-year-old was named in the 25-man squad for next Thursday’s semi-final against Czechia and the prospective final against Denmark or North Macedonia five days later. It is his first time in an Ireland squad.
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Harvey Vale named in Ireland squad
Harvey Vale’s call-up was not necessarily a surprise on Thursday afternoon, considering his club QPR had accidentally leaked the information (twice!) ahead of Heimir Hallgrímsson naming the Ireland squad.
However, a week ago it most certainly would have been.
The 22-year-old QPR star was born in England and played for the nation of his birth through the underage ranks.
In fact, Vale captained England to victory in the 2022 U19 Euros, in a squad that included Jarell Quansah, Carney Chukwuemeka, Liam Delap, and Daniel Jebbison.
A youth product of Chelsea’s academy, Vale struggled for first team opportunities before eventually securing a move to QPR during the spring of 2025. However, he would not play for the R’s until this season.
Since becoming a regular in the team, Vale has thrived from left-wing.
What is Harvey Vale’s Ireland connection?
Last Friday, Harvey Vale received approval from FIFA to switch his national allegiance from England to the Republic of Ireland. Vale’s possession of an Irish passport has been known for some time, tracking all the way back to his time at Chelsea.
19 December 2024; Jack Byrne of Shamrock Rovers in action against Harvey Vale of Chelsea during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 league phase match between Chelsea and Shamrock Rovers at Stamford Bridge in London, England. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
The42 report that Vale’s connection comes through an Irish grandparent.
Heimir Hallgrímsson confirmed on Thursday that his first discussions with Vale took place over a year ago.
“I talked to him over a year ago, when I was at Queen’s Park [Rangers],” Hallgrímsson said.
“He expressed a desire to play for Ireland at that time, he was injured at that time. We have been watching him since then.
“He has been growing by every game, it’s a perfect time to bring him into this squad now. We see him as a potential decent player for us. Good player, good person, hard-working guy, creator of chances, scoring goals. I’m looking forward to start working with Harvey.”
Less than a week after his switch was officially approved by FIFA, Vale is in the squad for Ireland’s biggest game in a decade, and he may yet play a part with both Josh Cullen and Will Smallbone out in the centre of the park.
Though he has more regularly played on the left flank for QPR, Vale’s more useful role could be in midfield, according to Heimir Hallgrímsson’s remarks at Thursday’s press conference:
He’s been playing out left for QPR but he is probably best in a centre role. He is a versatile player, can play all across the top positions.
It remains to be seen what role Harvey Vale will play in the playoffs, but he has been in fine form for QPR.
A goal and an assist in last Saturday’s 3-1 win over Leicester City are hopefully an omen of things to come from Vale in Prague.
It’s a bold move to call up a new face at this stage of the campaign, but it could yet prove an inspired one from Heimir Hallgrímsson.
SEE ALSO: Heimir Names His 25-Man Ireland Squad To Face Czechia In World Cup Playoff
