GAVIN Whyte says it will be tough for Oxford United’s players who caught coronavirus to get back in the side now they have returned to training.

A Covid outbreak left United with just 13 senior outfield players for the win against Fleetwood Town, while Sam Winnall returned from injury to make it 14 against Rotherham United.

The likes of Billy Bodin, Marcus McGuane and in particular Jamie Hanson, stepped in and got valuable minutes under their belts.

With Matty Taylor absent, Whyte played as a striker against Fleetwood and Rotherham.

See also: Robinson addresses Marcus Browne and James Norwood links

He said: “It’s been enjoyable, it’s a lot more running than what I’m used to but I played up front when I was a kid so I know the gist of it.

“When you’re playing up front by yourself, it’s harder than playing up front in a two but so long as I’m playing, it’s enjoyable.”

On the Covid absences, Whyte added: “We had to get through, it was a tough week for everyone involved but I thought the players and the staff were really good.

“We dug deep and got out the hole.

“It’s a really enjoyable group to be in and a lot of credit goes to them.

“The boys who haven’t been playing much came in and did well so it’s going to make it harder for the boys who tested positive, it’s going to be harder for them to get back in.

“You need a big squad and players who can come in and do the job – we have good players here to do that, it’s good to have that in the squad.”

With the players who contracted the virus returning after their 10-day isolation period, the squad is in a much healthier position going into this afternoon’s game at Sunderland.

Whyte said getting a result from the trip to the Stadium of Light will be a challenge but is confident the U’s can do it.

He said: “We’re on a good run but it’s going to be a tough game, it’s probably the hardest ground to go to in the league.

“The fans make it hard for any team going there and they’re a massive club.

“I’ve played there a good few times and it’s a really enjoyable place to go for players.

“We can go to anywhere in the league that are tough places and get something.”

Read more: How U’s respond to Steve Seddon suspension an interesting dilemma

In addition to playing as a striker for United, Whyte started up front with Josh Magennis for Northern Ireland in their World Cup qualifier at home to Italy last month.

Whyte played 72 minutes of the 0-0 draw – a result which denied European champions Italy automatic qualification and consigned them to the play-offs for a place in Qatar.

“It was a special moment all round – any time I play at Windsor Park or for Northern Ireland, it’s a special moment,” said Whyte.

“It was an incredible night, the fans we had there and the atmosphere even when we played away in Italy – two good games to be involved in.

“Every trip I go away, I’m training with Premier League players – it’s good to be involved with players like that.”

The special night at Windsor Park was sealed when Whyte got his hands on an Italian shirt.

Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli joined Juventus on a two-year loan after starring at the summer’s Euros, scoring twice in five matches.

Whyte said: “I got a shirt, I got Locatelli so I’m in the process of getting that framed.

“I was buzzing to get a top, it’s good for a memory.”