Oxford’s manager has had his say on Callum O’Dowda potentially leaving the club

Robert Redmond

A number of Republic of Ireland players have been linked with moves following their displays at Euro 2016.

Robbie Brady is reportedly interesting everyone from Leicester City to Everton, Derby County have rejected a bid from Burnley for Jeff Hendrick, Shane Duffy joining Celtic has been touted, and Darren Randolph can reportedly leave West Ham for the right price.

An Irish player who wasn’t part of Martin O’Neill’s squad is also been linked with a big move this summer.

Callum O’Dowda, who impressed during a brief cameo in Ireland’s final warm-up game ahead of the tournament, a 2-1 loss to Belarus in Cork, is reportedly on the radar of clubs in England.

The 21-year-old winger came close to joining Derby from Oxford United, the club he’s played for since he was nine-years-old, last January, and talk of the Championship club renewing their interest has been prevalent over the past few days.

O’Dowda has missed Oxford’s pre-season trip to Spain, fuelling speculation further, but the manager of the League Two side has played down any suggestions his absence is related to an impending transfer.

“I don’t think we’re going to have anyone on the plane with us tomorrow, but I’m hopeful during the week we’ll have one or two players who meet up with us,” Michael Appleton told The Oxford Mail.

“He’s ill, apparently. I’ve not seen him The doctor will see him first thing tomorrow and I’m sure he’ll be fine.”

Oxford recently lost Kemar Roofe to Leeds United for £3m, but Appleton says the club are determined to hold onto O’Dowda.

“Even as recently as yesterday I spoke to him about reading a team around him,” the Oxford boss said.

“From my point of view it’s very clear – we don’t want to sell Callum. We thought he had a good season last year, he came to the fore and got better the longer the season went on.

“It culminated in picking up an international appearance, which was great for everybody. We’re looking forward to him being a big part of our League One push this year.”

However, with the transfer window still in its’ infancy, there’s still a chance O’Dowda could be on the move this summer.