CALLUM O’Dowda’s goal for Oxford United at Wembley last month helped seal a call-up to the Republic of Ireland’s provisional Euro 2016 squad, manager Martin O’Neill has revealed.

His selection yesterday capped an incredible week for the winger, who sealed United’s automatic promotion to Sky Bet League One on Saturday with a stoppage-time strike in the 3-0 win over Wycombe Wand- erers.

It was his tenth goal of the season for United, with half his haul coming in the last six weeks of the season.

The strong finish to the season included a header in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final defeat against Barnsley, which was the second time in quick succession O’Neill had been impressed by the 21-year-old.

The Ireland boss, who included O’Dowda in a squad to face the Netherlands on May 27, said: “I went to watch the under 21 game against Italy and I thought he (Callum O’Dowda) did very well.

“He followed it up with an excellent performance in the Trophy final for Oxford.

“I like him, I think he’s got ability. Can he play higher? Absolutely.

“Just like the way I brought in young (Manchester City’s) Jack Byrne it would be nice for him to come in and get a feel for the place so if and when he’s ready to go, he won’t be intimidated by anything.”

O’Dowda, who qualifies for Ireland via his paternal grandfather, made his under 21 international debut in March 2015 and has been a regular starter ever since.

He will now join up with the senior squad for a training camp on May 23 as they begin to prepare for Euro 2016 in France.

The news caught the Kidlington youngster by surprise.

He said: “I didn’t know about it before, I found out through Twitter. “It’s a huge honour.”

It capped a memorable few days for O’Dowda, who felt helping his hometown club to promotion is an achievement he feels will take some beating.

“It means everything to me,” he said.

“I have been in the stands watching Oxford from a young age. This is the club I support.

“When the ball hit the net (against Wycombe), it was one of the best feelings I have ever had.

“What a way to end it all with virtually my final kick.

“The season I have had is just incredible.”