Oxford United midfielder Jamie McDonnell out of Northern Ireland squad

McDonnell had been called up for his country’s UEFA Nations League fixtures against Georgia, Hungary and Ukraine.

The 22-year-old was one of three Northern Irishmen to be selected from Oxford, with Brodie Spencer and Ciaron Brown also handed call-ups.

Central midfielder McDonnell has now pulled out of the squad, however, after picking up an injury early on in the U’s recent draw with Cambridge United.

Aaron Ramsey’s side were held 1-1 by Neil Harris’ men with Siriki Dembele bagging his second goal in two games before Ben Knight equalised for the opposition.

Nine minutes in, however, McDonnell picked up an injury with saw him leave the pitch early in proceedings, Louie Sibley replacing him.

Oxford released a statement on Tuesday night confirming the Northern Irishman’s injury and withdrawal from international duty.

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Jamie McDonnell scores his first goal for Oxford United (Image: Oxford United)

The statement read: “Jamie McDonnell has withdrawn from the Northern Ireland squad for this month’s Nations League qualifiers due to a hamstring injury.

“He will remain with the club, where he will begin his rehabilitation.”

The injured midfielder has been a mainstay in the Yellows side so far this season.

McDonnell has started every game for Ramsey’s side who currently sit sixth with 11 points from six games in League One.

The young international recently scored his first goal for the club after joining in January under former head coach Matt Bloomfield, netting the fourth goal in a 4-0 win over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.