Oxford United star previews Northern Ireland play-off against Italy

Northern Ireland play their one-legged semi-final against the Azzurri on Thursday evening, with four U’s players involved in the camp.

Should they shock the footballing world and beat Italy, the Green and White Army would qualify for their first World Cup since 1986 and first major tournament since the 2016 European Championships.

“It’s obviously massive pressure going away with Northern Ireland in general because you’re playing for you country but there’s even more pressure on it in terms of, you’re playing to qualify for a World Cup,” Brown declared.

Ciaron Brown carries the ball for Oxford United (Image: Mike Allen)

“We’d obviously be going into that game as an underdog, so I think, in that sense, it maybe takes a bit of pressure off you.”

The centre back is not the only United player in the Northern Ireland setup, with Jamie McDonnell, Jamie Donley, and Brodie Spencer all also called up for the semi-final and potential final next week.

“It’s nice,” Brown continued.

“Familiar faces round Oxford but when you go away, you’ve got your teammates from Oxford at Northern Ireland, so it’s a nice thing.

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)

“All the boys get on so well for Northern Ireland. There will be times where obviously us four would be together, and there would be times where we’re all separated into different groups.”

The 28-year-old is playing many an important at present for both club and country.

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Whilst aiming for an historic triumph with his country, Brown is also a key part of the U’s relegation dogfight, with seven crucial games remaining after the international break.

“I always kind of separate the both of them,” the London-born defender contemplated.

Ciaron Brown scores for Oxford United at Preston North End (Image: ©Jason Dawson)

“If you perform at club level then you get called up and hopefully get to represent Northern Ireland, but I try and separate the both [and think that] Oxford is kind of done for the next week and a half and now it’s Northern Ireland.

“It would be hard to be in Northern Ireland thinking about Oxford, and it’s hard to think about Northern Ireland when you’ve got a game for Oxford.”

Similarly to his experiences with the Yellows, Brown and his compatriots go into the Italy game as firm underdogs, despite the Azzurri not having qualified for a World Cup since 2014.

If Northern Ireland win on Thursday, they would face one of Wales or Bosnia & Herzegovina in the play-off final, with Brown and co. potentially facing U’s teammate and Welsh striker Mark Harris.