CALLUM O’Dowda is hoping his “phenomenal” run continues after the Oxford United winger earned a first international call-up.

The 19-year-old was named in the Republic of Ireland Under 21-squad for their clash with Andorra in Waterford on March 26.

Kidlington’s rising star was one of two local players named by manager Noel King, with Oxford-born Reading defender Niall Keown, son of ex-Arsenal and England centre back Martin, also in the line-up.

It capped a fantastic fortnight for O’Dowda, who signed a new long-term contract with United, before scoring the only goal of the game in Saturday’s 1-0 win at Bury.

“It just shows what can happen in football,” he said.

“The last couple of weeks have been phenomenal and I don’t want it to stop.”

“Hopefully I can play as much as I can between now and the end of the season to help Oxford United up the table.”

O’Dowda qualifies via his Dundalk-born paternal grandfather, Brendan.

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Famous in Ireland as a tenor, he also excelled at Gaelic football before concentrating on a singing career.

Although he died when Callum was six, he has remained an inspiration and means the call-up was a proud moment for the whole family.

He said: “It’s all because of my grandad really, I guess that’s where I get my football from.

“He was quite similar to me in his drive and attitude – I really look up to him, even though he died in 2002.

“All my extended family will be really happy.”

The youngster has known about Ireland’s interest since he scored in the 2-0 win at Stevenage in January, after which King got in touch with United to check on his eligibility.

He comes in at a good time, with the game against Andorra the first game of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign.

O’Dowda and Keown – who made his Reading debut in their 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion last night – can stake a claim for a regular spot, which would see them involved in games against group rivals Italy and Serbia in the battle to reach the tournament hosted by Poland 2017.

King told the Irish Times: “(Keown’s) father is very supportive which is always a good thing, but what’s more important is Niall has a really good attitude.

“Callum is coping well with first team football and the more lads who are doing that you can get at this age the better.”

“His reaction to the call up has been terrific and we’re delighted to have him.”

O’Dowda will not miss any United games as a result of the call-up, as the game comes between fixtures against Shrewsbury Town and Carlisle United.