Predicted Ireland squad for Czechia: Recall for Alan Browne and Harvey Vale's sudden call-up

Ireland are guaranteed two matches in the window but the second on March 31 will only be relevant if they beat Czechia to set up a decider against Denmark or North Macedonia for a place at the summer World Cup.

COUNTDOWN IS ON: Alan Browne and uncapped Harvey Vale will be the big winners when Heimir Hallgrímsson unveils his Ireland squad on Thursday. Pic: ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo.

Alan Browne and uncapped Harvey Vale will be the big winners when Heimir Hallgrímsson unveils his Ireland squad at midday Thursday for next week’s crunch World Cup playoff semi-final clash in Czechia.

The last of Corkman Browne’s 37 caps came 18 months ago against Greece but his stellar form on loan at promotion chasing Middlesbrough, allied to the absence of fellow midfielder Josh Cullen, makes his recall logical.