OXFORD United’s Mark Sykes has been called up to the Northern Ireland squad.

The midfielder was not in Michael O’Neill’s initial selection, but injuries in the camp have seen him promoted.

He joins former U’s teammate Gavin Whyte as the group prepare for two matches at Windsor Park in Belfast.

It will see the 22-year-old miss United's trip to Fleetwood Town on Saturday along with Ben Woodburn, who is away with Wales.

Northern Ireland host Luxembourg in a friendly tomorrow, followed by a Euro 2020 qualifier against Germany on Monday.

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Sykes was made available for loan by United last month but did not move before the transfer deadline and Karl Robinson thinks it will be a useful change of scene for the January signing from Glenavon.

The U’s boss said: “I think he needs that, Sykesy. He needs to go away, get that clean break.

“He knows he’s got to do it (perform) for his club as well. He knows he’s been way off.

“Against Norwich he had a few things where he missed tackles, but then he shows moments of real brilliance, which we know he has.

“But you’ve got to be more rounded in your performance.

“There’s so much more to come that he needs to learn very quickly to make himself the player he needs to be.”

He has played for Northern Ireland’s under-21 side, but has not yet won a senior cap, although he was in the squad for games in June.