Bloomfield watching Oxford United men in World Cup play-offs

Oxford see six players leave in total, with five set to be involved in a crucial World Cup play-off semi final.

United’s Northern Irish quartet of Brodie Spencer, Jamie McDonnell, Ciaron Brown, and Jamie Donley face four-time World Cup winners Italy, whilst Mark Harris and Wales take on Bosnia & Herzegovina both on Thursday evening.

The two nations would face each other in the final if both were to progress.

Oxford United’s Northern Irish duo Brodie Spencer (left) and Jamie McDonnell (right) (Image: Jason Dawson)

Elsewhere, Yellows midfielder Ole Romeny joins up with the Indonesia national team.

“It’s wonderful for the lads, it’s just great,” declared Bloomfield.

“How exciting for them to go away, represent their countries in such big games. We’ll be watching on in interest, and we wish them all the best.

“What better way for them to go away with their countries than off the back of a good performance tomorrow so I’m sure they’ll focus in on that.

Germany’s David Raum (left) and Northern Ireland’s Brodie Spencer battle for the ball during the FIFA World Cup European Qualifying match at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park, Belfast (Image: Liam McBurney/PA Wire)

“It’s fantastic for them and for us as a football club to have our lads going away and playing in such important international fixtures for their countries.”

Bloomfield’s men head into the break off the back of a 2-0 defeat away at Southampton.

Two early goals downed the U’s against a Saints side who are flying in the Championship and are unbeaten in 14 games.

After a intense schedule, the extra week could prove important before the final seven matches of the season.

READ MORE: Oxford United boss Matt Bloomfield slams Southampton tricks

Wales’ Mark Harris appears dejected after Belgium’s Thomas Meunier (not pictured) scores their side’s second goal of the game during the FIFA World Cup European Qualifying match at the Cardiff City Stadium (Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)

“I don’t want to build it up too much because it’s the situation that you have this break now,” the 42-year-old continued.

“These are the cards on the table. So we take the break because it’s there and we train hard because that’s the opportunity to do so.

READ MORE: Oxford’s Sam Long calls international break bad timing

“Again, you know how busy this schedule has been since we’ve been in the building.

Oxford United head coach Matt Bloomfield shakes hands with Southampton boss Tonda Eckert (Image: JASON DAWSON)

“We’ve played so many midweeks and Sunday games and Friday games so that the schedule’s not been calm at all.

READ MORE: Premier League legend says Oxford United forward must ‘step up’

“So it’s an opportunity for us to work. I think if you look at our performance today and over the last four, there’s been some really pleasing moments. Some of the football we played today on a really nice pitch. Some of the opportunities we’re creating.

“So we have to keep going after it because the work never ends. So we have to keep chasing.”

The Yellows’ first game back after the break is a home fixture against Hull City on Good Friday before a massive trip to Portsmouth for an early-kick off on the south coast on Easter Monday.