Oxford United quintet called up to World Cup qualifiers

Four U’s names have been included in Northern Ireland’s 28-man squad for their play-off semi-final fixture against Italy.

Brodie Spencer and Ciaron Brown join the defence whilst Jamie McDonnell and Jamie Donley are amongst the midfield picks for the Green and White Army.

Northern Ireland are managed by Blackburn Rovers manager Michael O’Neill whom the Yellows beat 1-0 last week in a huge result amidst a relegation battle in the Championship.

Northern Ireland’s Jamie Donley celebrates scoring their side’s first goal of the game from a penalty during the FIFA World Cup European Qualifying match at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park, Belfast (Image: Liam McBurney/PA Wire)

The U’s Northern Irish contingent has doubled since the January additions of McDonnell and Donley.

Meanwhile, Oxford striker Mark Harris has been called up to the Welsh national team as one of Craig Bellamy’s 26-man selection.

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Oxford United’s Mark Harris celebrates scoring their side’s second goal during the Sky Bet Championship match at the King Power Stadium, Leicester (Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)

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Harris has scored twice for the Yellows this season with a duo of big goals in wins against Ipswich Town and Leicester City, but currently operates as third-choice striker behind Will Lankshear and Nik Prelec.

Wales take on Bosnia and Herzegovina in their play-off semi-final and will face the winners of Northern Ireland and Italy if they are to reach the final, meaning five U’s players could feature in the World Cup play-off final.

The winners of that final will book themselves a place at this year’s World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.