Oxford United’s concerns backed by Portsmouth boss

The Pompey boss, and former U’s captain, believes that Championship rivals, including Oxford United, could ‘call foul’ this weekend following selection choices by O’Neill for Northern Ireland including players for relegation competing sides.

The BBC reported that concerns were raised by the U’s over a potential conflict of interest as four Oxford players went away with Northern Ireland, with three involved over the two international fixtures.

Jamie Donley started both games, scoring in the second against Yellows teammate Mark Harris’ Wales, with Ciaron Brown and Brodie Spencer both also making appearances. Jamie McDonnell did not feature.

Northern Ireland head coach Michael O’Neill (left) and Wales head coach Craig Bellamy (Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)

Concerns also sprouted when Norwich’s Ruairi McConville, Preston’s Ali McCann and Hull’s Paddy McNair all missed their country’s clash with Wales ahead of games against Blackburn’s relegation competitors.

O’Neill then opted to play West Bromwich Albion’s Isaac Price and Pompey’s Terry Devlin at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Blackburn’s only Northern Irishman, Tom Atcheson, played just the final ten minutes.

Speaking to the Portsmouth News, Pompey boss Mousinho said: “The fact that we’re talking about it and the fact the question’s been asked means it’s a potential conflict of interest.

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

“It’s blatantly obvious to me, it’s a question which should never be asked of another head coach.

“‘I don’t think the media or I should be put in that situation, I don’t think O’Neill should be put in a situation where his integrity is questioned.

“I know Michael well and he will make decisions for the best for Northern Ireland and Blackburn, but the fact the question’s asked suggests to me there’s a problem.

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“It’s not even the fact that the players have been sent home, it’s the fact that it’s been allowed. Somebody has been put in that position where they are allowed to make those decisions. That’s the fundamental issue.

“I feel for Michael more than anyone, because it’s through no fault of his own.

Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho playing for Oxford United (Image: David Fleming)

“He was allowed to take the job and he’s not going to do any different, but maybe nobody scrutinised it enough at the time.

“There’s probably going to be a few people calling foul this weekend over potential selection decisions made.

“I think Michael is a man of great integrity, but no one knows and no one will know.

“The fact it has a knock-on effect and the fact it has a consequence means that question should never be there.

“So it’s a question for the league. For clarity, I’m not questioning Michael’s integrity – he’s an excellent manager and great person – but the league have a lot to answer for on this one.”

Oxford face Pompey on Easter Monday in a huge clash in the race for survival.