Soccer

Callum O’Dowda included in 35-man Ireland squad

Under-21 and Oxford United winger’s club form rewarded with his first senior call up

Callum O’Dowda of Oxford United scores during the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final match against Barnsley at Wembley Stadium. Photograph: Tom Dulat/Getty Images
Callum O’Dowda of Oxford United scores during the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final match against Barnsley at Wembley Stadium. Photograph: Tom Dulat/Getty Images
Wed May 18 2016 - 19:43

Oxford United's Callum O'Dowda has been named in a 35-man Republic of Ireland squad to play Netherlands.

The young winger recently helped his club seal automatic promotion to League One in England.

The friendly on May 27th has being earmarked as the final chance to make the 23 man squad for the European Championships.

After missing the March friendlies against Switzerland and Slovakia through injury, there are recalls for Shay Given, Marc Wilson, Jeff Hendrick, Harry Arter, Jonathan Walters, and David McGoldrick.

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"Everything now is about preparing for Euro 2016 and that is why we wanted to play a team of the calibre of the Netherlands as we aim to make the most of our time ahead of the departure for France, " said manager Martin O'Neill.

"We will travel to Fota Island Resort for a training camp and a game against Belarus in the week afterwards, but this game at the Aviva Stadium is very important in terms of building our match sharpness and getting into tournament mode.

“It is also an opportunity to play in front of the Ireland supporters, who have been terrific, at the Aviva Stadium before leaving for the Euros and that is something that means a lot to the players because when we get together, it all comes together.”

The Ireland squad will begin their preparations for Euro 2016 on Monday at the FAI National Training Centre before facing Netherlands the following Friday. O’Neill will announce his Euro 2016 panel the next day at a press conference.

The squad will then transfer to County Cork for a week-long training camp at Fota Island Resort and take on Belarus on Tuesday, May 31st at Turner’s Cross.

The squad will depart for France on Wednesday, June 8th.

Republic of Ireland squad:

Goalkeepers: Shay Given, Darren Randolph, David Forde, Keiren Westwood.

Defenders: Seamus Coleman, Cyrus Christie, Paul McShane, Ciaran Clark, Richard Keogh, John O'Shea, Alex Pearce, Shane Duffy, Marc Wilson, Stephen Ward.

Midfielders: Aiden McGeady, James McClean, Glenn Whelan, James McCarthy, Jeff Hendrick, David Meyler, Stephen Quinn, Darron Gibson, Harry Arter, Wes Hoolahan, Eunan O'Kane, Anthony Pilkington, Robbie Brady, Jonathan Walters, Jonathan Hayes, Callum O'Dowda.

Forwards: Robbie Keane, Shane Long, David McGoldrick, Kevin Doyle, Daryl Murphy.