GAVIN Whyte’s raw pace will make the adjustment to English football a straightforward process.

That’s the view of Oxford United manager Karl Robinson, who was thrilled to bag the winger for an undisclosed fee from Crusaders.

The 22-year-old is set to make his U’s debut this week, once the formality of international clearance is received from the authorities in Northern Ireland.

Sky Bet League One is likely to prove a step up for Whyte, but Robinson is not planning to give him long to bed in.

“He’s got two weeks,” the United boss said.

“That’s life. What he has goes across borders, which is speed.

“If he was like some of the players we maybe brought in last summer from the continent that thought they had all the time in the world to float around in midfield (it’s different).

“But if you’re quick in Northern Ireland you’re certainly quick in England. That’s something that really excites me.

“One thing I remember when I started here was when we put Rob Hall on he ran at people.

“Samir Carruthers does that and Gav will do the same.”

If Robinson had any doubts about Whyte, they quickly vanished amid the response to the signing being confirmed.

He said: “It’s weird, I’ve had five texts from people I’ve not spoken to for about six months when that dropped saying ‘wow you’ve got a good player’.

“I did my coaching badges in Northern Ireland so I’ve got friends who support teams there and they said it was a relief for the rest of the league that he’s not going to be there.

“So the reputation he has over there is quite remarkable for 22 years of age.”

When speaking on Saturday, Robinson was aiming to have two more new faces in addition to Whyte to feature in pre-season friendlies at Aldershot Town tonight and Hungerford Town tomorrow.

Yesterday passed without any announcements, other than owner Sumrith Thanakarnjanasuth asking for supporters for patience on United’s website.

Robinson is due to give an update after tonight’s game at the Recreation Ground.