NORTHERN Ireland boss Ian Baraclough has called up Oxford United's Joel Cooper to his squad after admitting to being "extremely disappointed" by Mark Sykes' decision not to play.

The U's No 10 was in the squad for the Nations League games next month against Romania and Norway, but turned it down over the weekend.

It is believed he now wants to play for the Republic of Ireland, although he has not been included in their latest squad, which was also named today.

The decision has freed up an extra space in the squad and Cooper is in it just a month after joining the U's from Linfield.

The 24-year-old is uncapped at senior level but was invited to Euro 2016 to train with the squad.

On Sykes, Baraclough said: "I'm extremely disappointed, there's no getting away from that.

"It's something that took me very much by surprise over the weekend. Various discussions over the weekend haven't changed the situation.

"It's a player I'd worked with for all of my time in the 21s and had some success off the back of the playing for the 21s and that profile it's given him and his hard work with Glenavon enabled him to get a move to Oxford.

"He's been in several of Michael (O'Neill)'s squads.

"He was selected for the squad an informed me over the weekend he didn't want to be a part of that anymore.

"If one door closes, one opens for somebody.

"I think Joel has a bright future having come back played for Linfield and done very well.

"He's got his move to Oxford, they're delighted with him and has started a couple of pre-season games. 

"I'm delighted for him and really excited to get him into the squad and start working with him.

"He wants more, he's hungry. I want players who want to come and play for Northern Ireland, that are desperate to do well and further their career."

The call-up will see Cooper miss the Carabao Cup tie against AFC Wimbledon on September 5.