O'Dowda Wings Into Ashton Gate

Newly-capped Republic of Ireland international O’Dowda has completed a medical and signed a three-year contract at Ashton Gate.

The 21-year-old is expected to play some part in Saturday’s pre-season friendly at Yeovil Town before travelling with the squad to La Manga next week.

Head coach Lee Johnson said: “He’s a real emerging talent. He’s very mobile, comfortable on the ball and hungry to improve. He’s got a great personality, which is conducive to having a very good career.

“Callum isn’t exactly under the radar because there was a lot of interest in him, so we’re delighted he’s joined us; we believe he can continue the progression he has already shown.

“He’s only just broken into the Republic of Ireland squad and is being spoken about as one for the future. I’ve heard nothing but positive feedback in terms of his quality and personality.

“I think if you asked him, he’d say he’s best cutting in from the right-hand side, but he can operate in a ball-carrying number ten role and is also an accomplished left-sided midfielder. I like being fluid and Callum offers us versatility.”

Chief operating officer Mark Ashton said: “Having worked with Callum before at Oxford, I know how professionally he conducts himself, both on and off the field. I’m delighted to welcome him to Ashton Gate.”

O’Dowda has risen rapidly through the ranks at Oxford, having started in their youth setup at the age of eight. He earned his first-team debut in the League Cup against Charlton Athletic in August 2013, before making his league bow two months later.

He became a regular in the first team during the 2014/15 season, and was integral to Oxford’s League Two promotion-winning campaign last year.

Oxford-born O’Dowda is eligible to represent Ireland through his grandfather and made nine appearances for the Under-21s before earning his senior international debut as a second-half substitute against Belarus in May.