Updated 14.35
BEFORE THIS MORNING’S squad announcement, Callum O’Dowda was a name that was almost unheard of on the Irish international front.
The 21-year-old, who plays his club football with Oxford, was included in Martin O’Neill’s 35-man squad that will face the Netherlands in a friendly on 27 May ahead of the Euros.
His performances over the past few months with Ireland U21s have caught O’Neill’s eye.
“Callum O’Dowda did very, very well for Ireland U21s against Italy. I like him. He has ability,” Martin O’Neill said in his press conference after naming the squad.
The winger has been impressive in League Two this season, scoring 10 goals across all competitions. On Saturday, O’Dowda helped his side seal promotion, scoring the final goal as they saw off Wycombe 3-0.
A product of their youth academy, he’s known for his pace and skill and has featured heavily since breaking through to the first team in 2014. His first league goal was nominated for goal of the season.
Despite being born in Kidlington, the winger is eligible to play for Ireland through his late grandfather, Brendan, from Dundalk. O’Dowda received the call-up to the Ireland U21 side in March 2015 and made his debut later that month against Andorra.
He has made five appearances for the U21 team, most recently away to Slovenia in March where he scored the only goal in a 3-1 defeat.
The midfielder has previously been linked to Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool.
You can see him in action here:
– An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Ireland U21s were beaten 3-1 by Andorra in March; they were beaten 3-1 by Slovenia.
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“O’Dowd also scored the only goal in Ireland’s 3-1 Uefa championship qualifying round loss to Andorra.” Sweet Jesus we didn’t loose to Andorra!
No, but we did lose to them.
I grew up listening to the songs his Granda Brendan sang. Brendan sang all the Percy French songs like the west Clare Railway and Gortnamona.
His grandfather was considered the best interpreter of the Percy French songbook. Cue the gang in France singing “Are you right there, Michael?” if he scores.
What about jack Byrne. Why doesn’t he get his chance in the warm up game. I’m sure he’ll be a future star for Ireland and the experience alone would benefit him going to the euros anyone agree??
Who would Byrne replace tho? This kid who got called up is a winger which we lack.. In central midfield we have a few who have there places nailed down.. I don’t know how good Byrne is to be honest is he better than the guys we have?
Probably replace Hoolahan?
I’m not saying he should be in instead of dis young fella fair play ta him getting called up great for him and his family. Jack byrne is a smashing footballer good to have as cover if hoolahan gets injured cause theres no more creativity in the squad
Martinez just sacked!
This is a story about a young lads exciting opportunity. Martinez getting sacked can wait for 5 minutes until that story appears. Well done to O Dowda. Hope he proves himself.