Oxford United attacker GATLIN O’Donkor says there have been talks about him representing England at youth level, stating that he hasn’t really spoken to native country, Ghana.
The 18-year-old striker has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Oxford United, playing 32 games in all competitions and scoring two goals in Sky Bet League One.
O’Donkor also scored five goals during United’s historic run to the quarter finals of the FA Youth Cup.
His exploits for the The League One side has seen him nominated for the EFL League One ‘Apprentice of the Season’ alongside Barnsley’s Fabio Jalo and Zach Mitchell of Charlton Athletic.
Striker Jalo has scored two goals in 11 games this season, while centre back Mitchell has made seven appearances this campaign.
It appears O’Donkor’s exploits haven’t gone unnoticed at international level too, as the Oxford Mail reports he was on the standby list for the England Under-19 squad last month.
O’Donkor, who would be eligible to represent either England or Ghana, admitted there has been international recognition but wasn’t able to disclose full details.
He said: “I don’t really look at a lot of things like that because I try to focus on the games that are coming up,”
“I see that kind of stuff and the England squads coming out but I try to focus on the games we have coming up.
“I haven’t really spoken to Ghana but there have been other talks going on so we’ll just see what happens.”
On his ‘Apprentice of the Season’ nomination, O’Donkor said: “I’m excited and proud to be nominated, I just hope I can go on and win it – I think it’ll be a big thing for the club as well.
“I think this season’s gone really well, I probably should’ve scored more goals but that’s just part of the journey.
“It’s been good in terms of playing minutes and I’ve enjoyed it.”
The youngster has had to impress a new manager following the appointment of Liam Manning as head coach, but has featured in every game so far under the former MK Dons boss.
“The manager says himself that if you train well and show him that you’re able to play, he’ll give you your chance,” said O’Donkor.
“He’s come in a changed a lot of stuff structurally, and in and out of possession.
“The boys have taken to it well and have been listening on the training ground, and it’s showing in the matches that we’re keeping the ball a lot better and being a lot harder to break down.”
