CALLUM O’Dowda is aiming to continue to impress after Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill tipped him to become an international star following one training session with the senior set-up.
The uncapped Oxford United winger was a surprise inclusion in the 35-man provisional squad for Euro 2016.
O’Dowda is attempting to force his way into the final 23 which will head to France next month and made a good start.
O’Neill said: “With a little bit of luck he’s the future of the Republic of Ireland national side.
“Hopefully over the next decade he’s brought into a squad, maybe for the World Cup qualifying games.
“Obviously he still has a lot of progress to make, but it’s nice to know he wouldn’t feel daunted by it.”
The first aim for O’Dowda will be to earn a senior debut against the Netherlands in Dublin on Friday.
But the 21-year-old was thrilled to hear O’Neill’s endorsement.
He said: “It’s nice to hear those comments from the manager, that’s a big thing to me. Hopefully I can live up to them.”
He added: “Everyone has been really welcoming and we had a really good training session.
“I want to put my marker down and see if I can get on the plane to the Euros.
“I don’t want to be making up the numbers.”
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