It was a week of international news for Oxford United this week with a couple of youngsters being called up to represent their countries.
Also, the club announced their pre-season friendlies ahead of another campaign of League One football.
#oufc centre back James Golding has received his first call-up to the Republic of Ireland Under 19 squad. https://t.co/9D6YFiwRyI pic.twitter.com/TF5P1CFxIC
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) May 30, 2022
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: International Selection
Youngster Called Up to Ireland U19 Squad
On Monday, Oxford youngster James Golding was called up for the Republic of Ireland U19 squad for their friendly matches against Iceland in Spain.
The 17-year-old made his full debut on the final day of the season as the U’s drew 1-1 against Doncaster Rovers.
He was also a part of the Banbury United side that clinched the Southern League Premier Central title while on loan with the Puritans.
Oxford United Pre-Season Fixtures Announced
The club have announced their pre-season fixtures. The U’s head off to Spain on June 23 for warm-weather training before returning to Oxfordshire to face Oxford City on July 2.
A week later, Oxford United will have a ‘double game day’ against two managers who used to play for the U’s. Firstly, Karl Robinson’s side travel to Eddie Odhiambo’s North Leigh for a 12.30 kick off in the Lloyd Calcutt Memorial Fixture and then play Andy Whing’s Banbury United away at 4pm.
The U’s face Hungerford Town and Eastleigh on the roar before welcoming Coventry City on July 16 and West Bromwich Albion on July 19.
Oxford end their pre-season friendlies with a visit to Plough Lane against AFC Wimbledon.
The League One campaign begins on the weekend of July 30, with fixtures released on Thursday, June 23.
Another Oxford United Player Selected for International Duty
Following James Golding’s call up to the Republic of Ireland U19 squad, U”s midfielder Oisin Smyth has been selected to represent Northern Ireland U21s.
The 22-year-old will be hoping to feature in European U21 Championship qualifiers against Spain and Lithuania.
Smyth joined the U’s in January but is yet to make a senior appearance for the club.
Golding Makes International Debut
After his call up to the Republic of Ireland U19 squad on Monday, James Golding made his international debut on Wednesday night.
The 17-year-old was brought on in the 77th minute as his side ran out 3-0 winners in their friendly match against Iceland.
Sunday Round-Up
Golding would go one better on Sunday as the 17-year-old made his first start for the Republic of Ireland U19s.
The centre back played the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 defeat against Iceland.
Meanwhile, Smyth came on as a second-half substitute as the Northern Ireland U21s lost 6-0 against Spain in their European U21 Championship qualifier.
