MARK Sykes says he is working harder than ever to get a place in the Oxford United team.

Competition just to be in the matchday squad, never mind the starting eleven, has been increased following the arrivals of Elliot Lee and Brandon Barker during the January transfer window.

Sykes has had to remain patient this year, as he has yet to be handed a league start in 2021.

The former Glenavon man admits it has been challenging watching from the bench, but realises it is down to him and the other players not in the team to push themselves.

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“It’s been tough mentally not being in the squad, you question yourself a little bit,” he said.

“I know I’m good enough to play in the team – I’ve been working really hard behind the scenes and I’ve been coming in every day and trying my best.

“I’ll always be ready to play no matter what.

“Some people might throw their toys out the pram and be disappointed that they’re not playing, but I’ll always work hard, and even harder when I’m not playing because you have something to prove.

“At the minute we’ve got a really good squad and there’s serious competition for places.

“It’s down to the boys who aren’t in the squad to push ourselves and to get back in.”

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On Sykes’ radar will be staking a place for a start at home to Wigan Athletic, a team he said has improved since the reverse fixture in November, which the U’s won 2-1.

“When we played them away from home, I thought they were really poor but they’ve got a good few results recently and they’ve improved,” said Sykes.

“Within the changing room, we know it’s a game where we need to go and get the three points if we do seriously want to get promoted this year.”

Mark Sykes warming up during Oxford United’s home game against Fleetwood Town last month. Picture by: David Fleming

Mark Sykes warming up during Oxford United’s home game against Fleetwood Town last month. Picture by: David Fleming

Sykes’ only taste of league action this year has been the recent games against Doncaster Rovers and the midweek clash with Bristol Rovers.

“It was a disappointing result against Doncaster but the boys know we played well and didn’t let ourselves down,” he said.

“We have great confidence in ourselves to win each game.”