- The Republic of Ireland has announced its 25-man squad for next week’s World Cup play-off semi-final against the Czech Republic.
- Former England Under-19s captain Harvey Vale, a QPR midfielder, has been included after Fifa approved his switch of international allegiance to Ireland.
- Striker Evan Ferguson is sidelined with an ankle injury, placing greater goalscoring responsibility on Troy Parrott, who secured their play-off spot with a hat-trick against Hungary.
- Uncapped goalkeeper Josh Keeley joins as backup to Caoimhin Kelleher, while veteran David McGoldrick's return did not materialise, though Alan Browne and Robbie Brady are back.
- Should Ireland defeat the Czech Republic, they will host either Denmark or North Macedonia in the play-off final.
IN FULL
Former England youth captain called up by Republic of Ireland for World Cup play-offs
