WHILE the rest of the Oxford United squad have their feet up, Callum O’Dowda has been happily putting in extra training sessions ahead of two games for Republic of Ireland Under 21s this week, writes DAVID PRITCHARD.

The winger is in the squad for fixtures against England, beginning this afternoon in Galway against the C team, made up of the top non-league players.

On Friday they take on the cream of the country’s rising stars, including Harry Kane, Saido Berahino and Danny Ings in Gareth Southgate’s under 21s for a training game at St George’s Park, Burton.

It is a month since United finished their Sky Bet League Two campaign, so after a short break O’Dowda has been training alone to stay in shape.

“Alasdair Lane (United’s head of sports science) gave me a schedule which I have been sticking to,” the 20-year-old said.

“I have been preparing as I would for pre-season.

“It’s been pretty intense, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It’s going to be a massive week.

“The two games are both important to my development and more importantly for the team.”