Brown played all four fixtures for his country during the extended international break and drew praise from all angles for his stellar performances.

The centre back helped Northern Ireland to an unbeaten start to their UEFA Nations League campaign in which they won twice and drew twice, securing clean sheets in all of their games.

The Yellows defender scored an unlikely brace in a brilliant 3-0 win over Ukraine for Michael O’Neill’s men.

A 0-0 draw each with Georgia and Hungary and a win in a second clash with Georgia saw Brown enjoy a brilliant start to Group F with his nation.

Oxford United defender Ciaron Brown (Image: Darrell Fisher)

“It’s, for me, a long time coming to kind of be a consistent part of the team,” the 28-year-old opened up.

“When you’re playing in a team that’s doing so well, there’s obviously always praise.

“I’m obviously buzzing.

“I think it was a great camp for us.

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“I think we’ve got to a point now where our team is, instead of growing into a good team, it’s a good team and it’s continuously growing.

“So it was enjoyable.”

Brown travelled took part in the Northern Ireland camp alongside U’s teammate Brodie Spencer.

“The Ukraine game where we’re 2-0 up and we’re probably looking at each other like, ‘wow, that just happened’,” the defender continued.

Northern Ireland players celebrates after Ciaron Brown, left, scored their side’s bizarre third goal during the Nations League match between Ukraine and Northern Ireland (Image: Denes Erdos/PA Wire)

“I think [Spencer] was obviously buzzing that I scored.

“I think he came up and said to me, ‘if I wasn’t going to score, I’m glad it’s you’.

“Brodie and I are close. We can have a bit of a laugh on the pitch. But it probably only happens when you’re winning.”

After operating in a back three for the Green and White Army, Brown returns to an Oxford side who play quite differently.

No matter the setup, though, the London-born defender is confident he can bring his form back to OX4.

“I think everyone has different ideas,” he continued.

Oxford United defender Ciaron Brown scores a last-minute equaliser on the opening day (Image: Darrell Fisher)

“Northern Ireland play different from how Oxford play.

“But it’s more just trying to bring the form that I probably carried over from Oxford into Northern Ireland, but now bringing it back and just trying to keep that as the baseline and keep my form and keep…playing well.

“You can bring back all the characteristics you need as a player to play for Northern Ireland; it would be more just the tactical side.

“I think there’s two different game plans, one for Oxford and one for Northern Ireland, which is not bad. It’s just different things.

“But as the characteristics as a player, yeah, I could bring stuff back from Northern Ireland and I could bring stuff from Oxford to Northern Ireland.”

The Yellows return to League One action with a trip to newly-promoted Notts County on Saturday.

The Northern Ireland international was withdrawn after nine minutes in Oxford’s 1-1 draw with Cambridge United before the pause in League One action.

McDonnell then withdrew from the national team squad due to the hamstring injury.

The 22-year-old had started all six of his side’s opening league fixtures before his setback, scoring his first goal for the club in a 4-0 away win at Leicester City last month.

Ahead of the U’s visit to Notts County on Saturday, head coach Aaron Ramsey touched on the extent of the midfielder’s injury.

Oxford United midfielder Jamie McDonnell (Image: Oxford United)

“He’s still obviously a few weeks away,” Ramsey disclosed.

“He’s still relatively early in his rehab.

“Obviously, Jamie has been fantastic early in the early parts of the season and been instrumental in everything that we’ve built our performances on at the moment.

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“He’s a big miss.

“But we’ve got a squad full of quality players as well who are more than capable of coming in and playing games at a high level.

“So, for us, it’s just making sure that Jamie’s in the best possible place again for when he returns, that he’s ready to hit the ground running again.”

It is likely that the former Nottingham Forest man will be the majority of the remainder of the calendar year due to his injury.

Possible replacements for McDonnell during his absence include Louie Sibley, who came on and impressed in the draw with Cambridge, Tyler Goodrham, should the Yellows opt for a more attacking alternative, and 18-year-old Harrison Bradney, who scored on his professional debut against Exeter in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy on Tuesday.

The team will host Swindon Town on Sunday, October 11, at 2pm in the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division, with a special ticket offer of £5 for one adult and one child.

Liam Gilbert’s side have started the season with six straight wins and have yet to concede a goal.

They return to Marsh Lane following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over second-placed AFC Bournemouth, despite playing the entire second half with 10 players.

A spokesperson for Oxford United Women said: “Bring your family and friends for what is set to be an exciting match against our local rivals.

“The team are in excellent form and need your backing as they aim to extend their lead at the top of the table.”

Visitors Swindon Town, promoted to the third tier last season, currently sit 10th in the division.

They picked up a point in a goalless draw against AFC Wimbledon in their most recent match.

Sunday’s fixture coincides with the Oxford Half Marathon, and supporters are advised to plan their journeys accordingly.

Road closures will be in effect from 7.30am to 1.30pm, including Marsh Lane and both A40 slip roads.

Fans arriving before 1.30pm can access the MGroup Stadium via the southbound route from Elsfield Road or Woodeaton Lane onto Marsh Lane.

People arriving after the half marathon and showing a race medal at the turnstiles will receive half-price entry.

Food, drink, and club merchandise will be available at the ground.