Heimir Hallgrimsson extends Republic of Ireland contract

Heimir Hallgrimsson has extended his contract as Republic of Ireland manager ahead of this month’s World Cup play-offs, agreeing to stay until the end of the Euro 2028 campaign after “big pressure” from his employers.

The Icelandic boss will lead the Irish in their play-off semi-final against the Czech Republic in Prague next Thursday as they look to seal a place at this summer’s tournament and revealed at his squad announcement that he had just signed on the dotted line.

“I’m happy to be here, I like the project,” Hallgrimsson said.

“I wanted to do that (extend) after the qualification or after the tournament but it was a big pressure from the association to sign before these play-off matches.

“I said again, ‘I don’t want to be where I’m not wanted’ and I really felt I was wanted. So we decided to extend the contract until after the Euros.”

The Football Association of Ireland responded on X, posting: “Great news for Irish football! We are delighted to announce that Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has committed his future to the FAI by signing a new contract.”

Hallgrimsson, who took over in 2024, faces a stiff challenge to book a place among the world’s best this summer – needing to beat a Czech side ranked 16 places higher on their own soil before a final against Denmark or North Macedonia.

To do so, he put together a 25-man squad including former England youth captain Harvey Vale for the first time.

The QPR midfielder led England in their victorious Under-19 European Championship campaign in 2022 but had his request to switch allegiance approved by FIFA earlier this month. And the former Chelsea youngster goes straight in.

There are also returns for Robbie Brady and Alan Browne, as well as a call for uncapped goalkeeper Josh Keeley of Luton, covering for the injured Gavin Bazunu. Josh Cullen (ACL) and Evan Ferguson (ankle) were already ruled out, leaving Troy Parrott to shoulder the goalscoring burden in the latter’s absence.

It was Parrott’s hat-trick against Hungary which ensured Ireland would feature in the play-off mix and he will once again be critical. There had been speculation that veteran David McGoldrick could reverse his retirement to be part of the matches but, although Hallgrimsson confirmed there had been discussions, he was not included.

Jack Moylan, who has been in good form for League One title-chasers Lincoln, was once again overlooked.

Hallgrimsson largely stuck to familiar faces who have been part of his previous squads but was pleased to add Vale for the first time.

“I talked to him over a year ago, when I was at QPR and he expressed the desire to play for Ireland,” he said.

“At that time he was injured so we have been watching him since then. His development has been growing, I would say by every game and it’s a perfect time to bring him into the squad now. Good player, good person, hard-working guy. He’s a creator of chances and he’s scoring goals, I look forward to working with Harvey.”