Callum O’Dowda will be going all out to make an impression against Harry Kane and company during a match against England Under 21s today.
The Oxford United winger is in the Republic of Ireland Under 21s squad in action at St George’s Park, Burton.
It is a big opportunity for O’Dowda, who will be coming up against a host of household names as England prepare for the European Championships in the Czech Republic later this month.
If he plays, the 20-year-old could be marked by one of Arsenal pair Carl Jenkinson and Calum Chambers, or Eric Dier, from Tottenham Hotspur.
- United
Kane, Saido Berahino and Danny Ings could also feature, along with former U’s loanee Jake Forster-Caskey, at Brighton & Hove Albion.
O’Dowda is relishing the prospect of testing himself against topflight opposition.
He said: “The game will be great.
“I know a lot of the players from watching them on TV.
“It’s going to be quite an experience to play against them and I’m really looking forward to putting a marker down.”
It is an opportunity for O’Dowda to stake a claim for regular football with Ireland, after making his international debut in a 1-0 success against Andorra in March.
Qualifying for Noel King’s squad via an Irish grandfather, the Kidlington attacker admitted it would feel a little strange to line up against England.
He said: “I think it will be, but it’s more about the experience.
“To put on the Ireland shirt for my grandfather and rest of my family is an honour.
“It was a different for me (in March), because I have never been in a new environment, I’ve only known Oxford.
“But it was similar to Oxford when a new player comes in, they were all very welcoming.
“I think it will only benefit my development.”
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