MARK Sykes is being lined up to play as a No 10 for the Republic of Ireland after receiving his first call-up this afternoon.

With eight goals and a further six assists this season, the Oxford United midfielder’s form has impressed manager Stephen Kenny enough to include him in the international squad for home friendlies against Belgium and Lithuania.

Sykes switched allegiance from Northern Ireland in August 2020, after playing 11 times at under-21 level.

The former Glenavon man was called up to senior squads without making his debut.

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Kenny outlined how he intends to use Sykes in the international set-up.

“Mark Sykes has had a terrific season at Oxford, and the last couple of years has done very well,” said Kenny.

“He was a central midfielder growing up but over the years, he’s been used in a wider position, playing on the right and the left for Oxford this year.

“We feel in our system with a 3-4-2-1 with the number 10s, he can play in those two number 10 positions quite easily.

“He’s adaptable, he can play wider or central. In recent weeks, he’s actually played wing back for Oxford because of the needs of the team but we see him playing further up the pitch.

“He’s improved with quite a few goals and assists for Oxford this season and they’ll most likely be in the play-offs and maybe playing in the Championship next year so I wouldn’t be surprised to see that.”

Sky Bet League One clubs have the option to rearrange a fixture if they have at least three first team players away on international duty.

With Gavin Whyte and Ciaron Brown called up by Northern Ireland earlier in the week, United were able to postpone the fixture at Morecambe, which will now take place on Tuesday, April 5.