Vale always felt 'connected' to Republic of Ireland

Vale's international switch was only confirmed in recent weeks [Getty Images] Harvey Vale says it was a "proud" moment when his place in the Republic of Ireland squad for Thursday's World Cup play-off semi-final against the Czech Republic in Prague [19:45 GMT] was confirmed. The 22-year-old QPR midfielder captained England's victory at the 2022 European U-19 Championships, but insists he always felt "super connected to Ireland" which led to his international switch that was recently approved by Fifa. Vale qualifies for the Republic of Ireland through his Kerry-born grandfather Michael who was one of his first points of contact when named in Heimir Hallgrimsson's squad.

"I called him as soon as I found out that it could be happening and when it did, it was such a proud moment for him and my family," Vale told reporters in Dublin on Monday. His move has been in the works for some time with FAI scout Mark O'Toole tracking the player who began his career at the Fulham and Chelsea before a loan move to Bristol Rovers had former Republic of Ireland midfielder Glenn Whelan "in my ear". Yet it was his permanent move from Chelsea to Loftus Road last year that saw him team up with defender and future international team-mate Jimmy Dunne which prompted Hallgrimsson to meet with the player - who had already secured Irish citizenship.

Despite injury keeping him out of action until the start of the current club season, the Irish boss expressed his interest in the player and with all of the paperwork complete on time, he could call him into the squad for Thursday's semi-final and a possible final next week against either Denmark or North Macedonia in Dublin, should they prevail in Prague. "It was touch and go, scrambling around calling family for documents like birth certificates, but when I did my citizenship a few years ago, we kept a folder with all the documents and could send them to be approved by the FA and Fifa, so we got there in the end," Vale reflected. 'Perfect time' for Vale - but who is new Republic of Ireland call-up?

'If I'm called upon I'll be ready' He was a spectator when the Republic secured their place in the play-offs thanks to a thrilling 3-2 win over Hungary in November, "speechless" as Troy Parrott scored the last-gasp winner in Budapest. Now, he may get his opportunity to write his own name into Irish football folklore if called upon and despite being the newcomer to the squad, insists "if I'm called upon I'll be ready". "The boys have been prepping a very long time now and I've come in at this point, but it doesn't make any difference as I want the same as everyone else and I'm excited for it," he said.