When Callum O'Dowda was included in Martin O'Neill's 35-man provisional squad three weeks ago, eyebrows were raised. Thought, mostly, it was presumed Martin O'Neill was giving a player for the future a little bit of experience.
The 21-year-old played in League Two this season with Oxford as they won automatic promotion.
Last night, he made his Ireland debut against Belarus, replacing Aiden McGeady after 75 minutes.
In less than 20 minutes play, O'Dowda was probably Ireland's most exciting player on the night. There was a buzz whenever he got on the ball, more than ten times in total and - we're open to correction on this - never giving away the ball.
He appeared to inject the type of energy into the crowd which we've seen Stephen Hunt and James McClean do in the past. Though, O'Dowda looks to have more technical ability than either of those.
Such was his enthusiasm, it felt like Martin O'Neill or Roy Keane had imparted that he was in with a chance of making the 23-man squad.
O'Dowda is not a player lacking confidence. He wants the ball.
Less than five minutes on the pitch, he and Wes Hoolahan had a lovely moment of interplay.
His ball retention was excellent.
An example of his confidence and desire: with added time nearly elapsed, he came deep to retrieve the ball and then drive Ireland forward.
It had many thinking 'Hold on, he couldn't? Could he?'
Is Callum O'Dowda going to be the shock call for #Euro2016? Impressive in training & very good since his introduction tonight.
— Mark McCadden (@markmccadden) May 31, 2016
Callum O'Dowda worth taking as a shock inclusion. Fearless, direct, bit of an x factor #IRLBEL
— Ian Gaughran (@Ian_Gaughran) May 31, 2016
Of course, the improbable did not happen. Martin O'Neill instead opted to include the more experieced Aiden McGeady in his squad.
O'Dowda did make a real impression last night. While others have been allowed leave, the Oxford player has been asked to stay on and train with the Euro 2016 sqaud.
Callum O'Dowda is staying around with the group to train for a few more days after making a good impression. The other players have left
— Daniel McDonnell (@McDonnellDan) June 1, 2016
Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
