Tuesday 10 March 2015 15:23, UK
Oxford midfielder Callum O'Dowda feels privileged to be given the chance to represent Republic of Ireland's Under-21s.
O'Dowda has made 34 appearances in all competitions for Oxford this season, and qualifies for Ireland through his late grandfather. The 19-year-old has scored four goals and boss Noel King rewarded him with his first call-up when he named the squad on Monday. "I am very proud and very excited to have the call up," O'Dowda told the Oxford website. "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." O'Dowda will link up with King's squad ahead of their UEFA Under-21 qualification clash against Andorra at Waterford on March 26.
