MOST FOOTBALLERS WILL tell you that momentous occasions in their career seem to go by in an instant.

But for Harvey Vale, his Ireland debut was particularly fleeting.

The QPR attacking midfielder came on in the 121st minute of the Czechia playoff, with barely any time to influence the game.

The 22-year-old was himself replacing a 115th-minute substitute, Sammie Szmodics, after the latter was forced off with a head injury.

“Before I came on, the manager said, ‘This is your chance to make yourself a hero.’ That’s how I took it, not like it was a chance to let anyone down,” he says.

Vale had slightly more time in the friendly with North Macedonia on Tuesday night as he was introduced in the 61st minute of a stop-start second half.

It has consequently been an emotional week for the player, a former England underage international whose grandfather was born in Kerry.

Vale already knew Jimmy Dunne, who also plays for QPR, but says the rest of the squad embraced him.

“They’re 100% honest boys, they made me feel welcome, and so easy to settle in.”

And Vale has been impressed by one player in particular.

“You could sense it walking through the hotel, all the kids: ‘Troy, Troy, Troy’. What he did for this country was super special, and I don’t think it will ever be forgotten. What he’s doing for his club this season, he’s clearly in really, really good form.” 

It has been a similarly meaningful few days for Bosun Lawal, who made his Ireland debut off the bench at the Aviva last night.

The 22-year-old has been involved in multiple squads up to now and was delighted to be given the nod by Irish boss Heimir Hallgrímsson.

“It’s a dream come true to make my Ireland debut, playing from U15s all the way up. So yeah, just over the moon,” he said.

“A very different type of game. Obviously, neither team wants to play this game, but I think everyone stuck to the plan, and we managed to get ourselves into the game.”