RYAN Ledson’s departure on England duty could be a blessing in disguise for the midfielder, according to Oxford United boss Michael Appleton.

The national under 20 squad was announced today and the U’s teenager will be on the plane to France for three friendly matches.

Ledson is available to face Scunthorpe United on Saturday, but the call-up will see him miss Sky Bet League One clashes against Bolton Wanderers, Northampton Town and Bury.

The 19-year-old has been one of United’s most impressive performers since signing from Everton in August.

But Appleton felt Ledson looked tired in Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat at Oldham Athletic, substituting him midway through the second half.

And while losing a key player for three games is not ideal, the head coach thinks it could bring benefits for United’s run-in.

He said: “To be fair he looked a bit jaded.

“It’s his first full season and he gets the opportunity after Saturday to have a bit of a break from the club.

“Initially you were thinking it’s going to be a massive blow, but sometimes things happen for a reason.

“I think it might be a positive for him.

“It’s an opportunity to step out of the environment, play in a different type of game and spend a bit of time with different people.

“We want him to get a change of scenery and hopefully he’ll come back champing at the bit for the last stage of the season.”

Ledson had said last month he would prioritise United’s games if the decision was left to him.

But a refusal to report would likely halt his international prospects for good – just two months ahead of the Under 20 World Cup.

The draw for the tournament was made yesterday, with England in a group with Argentina, Guinea and hosts Korea.

Appleton is keen to see the youngster gain the experience but hopes Ledson will be looked after during the trip, which sees Paul Simpson’s squad face Portugal, France and Ivory Coast in the space of six days.

He said: “I think the Football Association can intervene and do something about it anyway.

“We wouldn’t want that, we do hope they are sensible with him because they’ve got three games.

“We wouldn’t want him to play in all of them if possible.

“If he played in one or one and a half that might suffice.”