CALLUM O'Dowda made an impact on his first training session with Republic of Ireland, drawing praise from manager Martin O'Neill.

The 21-year-old Oxford United winger went into the week aiming to catch the eye of the coaching staff as he bids to make the final squad for Euro 2016.

And after the first session near Dublin this morning, O'Neill was impressed.

He said: "Callum O'Dowda can go past players, has great control.

"He is delighted to be here. He didn't look out of place."

The U's star will be aiming to make his senior debut this Friday, when Ireland host the Netherlands in Dublin.

He said: "I want to put my marker down and see if I can get on the plane (to France).

"I don't want to be making up the numbers."