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

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.

Vale is new to the Irish scene, having switched allegiance from England, whom he captained to the Euro U19 title in 2022.

He joined Queen’s Park Rangers from Chelsea last year and the Championship side prematurely released news of his maiden call-up, before deleting the congratulatory social media posts.

Vale spoke in his club interview about his Irish grandfather, who he said has always encouraged him to represent his ancestral home.

The 22-year-old obtained his Irish passport over a year ago, but his change of nationality was only confirmed by Fifa over the weekend.

With Mikey Johnston absent through injury, Vale will be considered an option across the supporting roles of attack, either wide or central.

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.

Czechia’s wait to end their World Cup famine is 20 years, four years less than Ireland’s.

Given both Liam Scales and Festy Ebosele are suspended, having incurred bookings in the runners-up clinching win in Hungary, Hallgrímsson is set to name an expanded squad of at least 25 players.

Talk of David McGoldrick being lured out of international retirement at the age of 38 has been enhanced by him being named League One Player of the Month at Conor Hourihane’s Barnsley. The striker admitted this week he’d been amenable to answering his country’s call in their hour of need.

That was exacerbated by the continued unavailability of Evan Ferguson through an ankle injury but with Adam Idah winning his battle to recover from a hamstring strain, his services may not be required. 

Johnny Kenny, on as a sub for his debut in Budapest, also has claims for being retained.

Sammie Szmodics hasn’t figured for Ireland since the opening World Cup qualifier at home to Hungary last September but a meeting with the manager, plus his scoring form at on-loan Derby County, appears to have smoothed the path for his return.

Hallgrímsson is technically out of contract if Ireland’s qualification quest comes unstuck, but all the indications are that he’ll stick around.

After recently welcoming a couple of summer friendlies against Qatar and Canada, already qualified for the expanded 48-nation showpiece, he has now introduced an earlier warm-up match specifically to showcase fringe players.

Grenada will provide the opposition in Murcia on Saturday, May 16, concluding a nine-day warm-weather training camp.

Although the international window won’t have started, the concept centres on inviting lower league players whose club has concluded by then.

“While our entire focus is on being successful in the March play-offs, this camp is a crucial part of our long-term vision regardless of that outcome,” said the manager.

“It is about building squad depth and preparing for future tournaments.”

Predicted 25-man Ireland squad

Goalkeepers (3): Caoimhin Kelleher (Brentford), Mark Travers (Everton), Josh Keeley (Luton Town).

Defenders (9): Séamus Coleman (Everton), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), Jake O'Brien (Everton), Jimmy Dunne (Queens Park Rangers), Liam Scales (Celtic), John Egan (Hull City), Ryan Manning (Southampton), Robbie Brady (Preston North End).

Midfielders (6): Alan Browne (Middlesbrough), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Finn Azaz (Southampton), Conor Coventry (Charlton Athletic), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Jason Knight (Bristol City).

Attackers (7): Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Adam Idah (Swansea City FC), Chiedozie Ogbene (Sheffield United), Festy Ebosele (İstanbul Başakşehir), Johnny Kenny (Bolton Wanderers), Sammie Szmodics (Derby County), Harvey Vale (QPR).