Oxford United boss quiet on Blackburn, O’Neill incident

Oxford United reportedly raised concerns over a conflict of interest regarding the Rovers boss who managed four U’s players for Northern Ireland in the recent international break.

Northern Ireland lost 2-0 to Italy in their World Cup play-off semi-final before drawing 1-1 with Wales in a friendly on Tuesday.

The EFL confirmed it had been contacted by more than one club with concerns over the issue, with relegation rivals West Bromwich Albion and Portsmouth also having players appear for the Green and White Army.

Northern Ireland head coach Michael O’Neill before an international friendly match at (Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)

Ciaron Brown, Jamie Donley, and Brodie Spencer played for Northern Ireland across their two fixtures whilst players who are set to play against Blackburn’s rivals in Hull City’s Paddy McNair, Norwich City’s Ruairi McConville, and Preston North End’s Ali McCann all missed the second game.

With Pompey boss, and former Yellows captain, John Mousinho criticising the situation, Oxford head coach Bloomfield was also questioned.

“I think whenever you have players going away on international duty, you’re hoping that they’re fine and come back in relatively good health. The game on Tuesday was even closer to a good Friday game than it was a usual Saturday.

Oxford United boss Matt Bloomfield orders from the touchline (Image: Jason Dawson)

“As regards to anything else, I’d rather not comment.

“Being a football manager is hard enough and I’ve got a big enough job in my hands here, so I should concentrate on that.”

Bloomfield went on to praise Oxford’s internationals, with Mark Harris appearing for Wales against Bosnia & Herzegovina as the Red Dragons lost their World Cup play-off semi-final on penalties after managing a 1-1 draw in normal time.

Ole Romeny also represented Indonesia against St. Kitts & Nevis and Bulgaria, scoring and assisting twice against the former.

Northern Ireland’s Jamie Donley scores their side’s first goal of the game during an (Image: David Davies/PA Wire)

“I felt really disappointed for the boys,” Bloomfield said, sympathising with the five U’s men who missed out on World Cup qualification.

“I thought they all did great. Obviously watching the games and paying a real interest into how they’re getting on and watching with pride if I’m honest.

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“I thought Brodie was brilliant. I thought Brodie was absolutely fantastic.

 “To go away and play; I’ve never got the honour of doing that and those boys are getting to go and play for their country and I just think it’s an incredible honour for them and I thought they did brilliantly.

“I felt really disappointed for them, but that’s gone now and now they concentrate on their club football.”

On loan Spurs midfielder Donley scored against Wales for Northern Ireland.

“An international goal for a young player is a brilliant moment for him, so let’s hope he takes that into the game on Friday and forward into the last seven for us.”