THE international call-ups for Max Crocombe and Callum O’Dowda in the last week are a boost to everyone at Oxford United, according to head coach Michael Appleton.

The pair will head off at the end of this month, with O’Dowda selected by the Republic of Ireland Under 21s for a Euro 2017 qualifier and Crocombe among the New Zealand senior side for a friendly away to South Korea.

Appleton is delighted with the news, particularly involving two players who have come through United’s youth set-up.

He said: “From a footballing point of view it’s great experience for both of them.

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“I think it can only be a good thing for the club that they’re getting the recognition they deserve.

“It’s for all the staff and the club itself as well, it’s great we are producing players of that ilk who can go and play international football.”