GAVIN Whyte will miss two Oxford United games next week as he is away on international duty.

The winger has been called-up by Northern Ireland for their World Cup qualifying matches against Lithuania on September 2 and Switzerland on September 8, as well as a friendly in Estonia on September 5.

It means he is unavailable for next Tuesday's Papa John's Trophy trip to Cambridge United and the Sky Bet League One game at AFC Wimbledon the following Saturday.

Whyte, who returned to United on a season-long loan from Cardiff City last month, has 19 caps for Northern Ireland.

He told the U's official website: “I’m always proud to be part of the squad and am looking forward to the matches."

It is understood that United midfielder Mark Sykes will not be in the Republic of Ireland squad for this round of internationals.