Aaron Ramsey makes bold claim on Oxford United and Wales star

Andrews has been selected for international duty with the Wales Under-21 team ahead of matches against Belgium and Austria, with first-team manager Craig Bellamy leaving him out of the senior side on this occasion.

The 20-year-old is one of five Yellows stars selected to represent their nations; Mark Harris joins up with the Wales senior team whilst Brodie Spencer, Ciaron Brown and Jamie McDonnell have all been chosen to play for Northern Ireland.

Unfortunately, McDonnell pulled out of the international camp on Tuesday after sustaining a hamstring injury in the U’s 1-1 draw with Cambridge United last weekend.

Andrews, who arrived on loan from Premier League outfit Coventry City last month, has previously represented the senior Welsh side on three occasions, making his debut in September 2025 in a 1-0 defeat to Canada.

United head coach Ramsey, who worked with the Coventry loanee during his time with the Dragons’ youth setup, believes the young midfielder has what it takes.

“Craig [Bellamy] has made his own decisions,” the former Arsenal midfielder said.

Oxford United midfielder Kai Andrews (Image: Oxford United)

“Kai is ready and obviously he’ll have a big part to play as well with the Under-21s so, for us, him getting those minutes in and stuff is going to be good.

“But what I’ve seen from Kai this year is that he is ready, you can see it in him.

“And he’s ready to make his mark on this team and help this team to achieve its goals this year.

“So, hopefully he gets through the games all good.”

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The current international break is Ramsey’s first as a permanent head coach.

The former Wales international represented his country 86 times and scored 21 goals.

The 35-year-old was part of the famous Dragons side, alongside legend Gareth Bale, which reached the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2016, bagging two assists in the famous 3-1 quarter-final upset against Belgium.

For Ramsey, an international break as a club manager is a new experience.

“It will be a little bit different for me to see it from that side of things,” he admitted.

Aaron Ramsey won 86 caps for Wales (Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)

“But all I can say is that representing your country is the pinnacle of the game and every time you have that opportunity to put on the shirt and wear your colours, there is no prouder moment.

“For the boys that have the opportunity to do that, we are fully behind them and support them.

“And it’s proud for us as well as a club that we have so many international players making that step.

“It will be a bit different seeing it and hopefully they all get through without any problems as well.”