CALLUM O’Dowda is hoping a first derby experience is just the start of a memorable week.

The winger is unavailable for Oxford United’s home game against AFC Wimbledon in Sky Bet League Two tomorrow due to a call-up for Republic of Ireland Under 21s.

O’Dowda, 20, has made five appearances for Noel King’s side since making his debut in March.

His international education continues tonight with a Euro 2017 qualifier against Lithuania in Waterford (5.45).

It is followed by a mouthwatering game against Italy in Vicenza on Tuesday.

O’Dowda, from Kidlington, played 90 minutes in United’s 2-0 win against Swindon Town before flying out to meet the squad and cannot wait for the back-to-back games.

He said: “Italy’s the one but Lithuania will be a tough test because they managed to beat Andorra, who we beat twice.

“Italy will be a massive game, I’m not sure how we’re going to approach it but we know it will be tough.

“They have such quality, all their players will probably be in the Champions League in a couple of years.

“It could be a massive week.”

U’s head coach Michael Appleton said: “Callum will be a big miss for us, he’s been in fantastic form.

“He’s got youth on his side so would have been ideal to play in the context of so many games in a short space of time.”