Oxford United forward Callum O’Dowda has been called into the Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad for the first time.

The 19-year-old winger has starred for Michael Appleton’s side this season, despite the Us sitting 18^th in Division Four, scoring four goals in 34 appearances in all competitions.

As a reward, O’Dowda has been named in Ireland’s squad for their forthcoming UEFA Under-21 Championship Qualifying Round match against Andorra on Thursday, March 26.

The United forward, who netted Oxford’s winner in the 1-0 victory at Bury on Saturday, qualifies through his grandfather, the late Brendan O’Dowda, who was born in Dundalk.

O’Dowda was delighted with his international call-up: “I am very proud and very excited to have the call up.

“It is a privilege to be included. I fly out on the Sunday to join up with the squad so I don’t miss any Oxford games and it will be a fantastic experience.

“I was approached a few weeks about to see if I would be interested because of my family’s Irish background. I jumped at the chance and can’t wait to be involved.”

Fortunately for Yellow supporters, O’Dowda will not miss any league matches for the Division Four club, as he is scheduled to fly out the day after United’s trip to Shrewsbury Town (March 21) and is back before the important clash against Carlisle United at the Kassam Stadium (March 28).

It is the Republic of Ireland’s first round of the qualifying matches for the 2017 UEFA Under-21 Championships in Poland; with Italy, Serbia, Slovenia and Lithuania also in Group 2.

Ireland Under-21 manager Noel King added: “We are looking forward to the start of the new campaign.

“It’s important we get off to a good start and having a strong home support in Waterford will be very important.

“There are a couple of new additions to this squad who I’ve watched at their clubs over the past few months and we’re delighted that they have committed themselves to Ireland.

“Our aim is to qualify for the UEFA U21 Championships for the first time and make history.

“It won’t be easy as we are in a strong group – Serbia were the European Champions at this age-group at U19 level while Italy are the most successful U21 team ever in European competition, so that speaks for itself.”

O’Dowda becomes the second Oxford player in the space of four days to earn an international call-up, with goalkeeper Max Crocombe included in the senior New Zealand side to face South Korea later this month.