OXFORD United’s international cohort are targeting more minutes on the big stage tonight.

Mark Sykes could make his Republic of Ireland debut in a friendly against Lithuania at the Aviva Stadium, in Dublin.

Meanwhile, Gavin Whyte and Ciaron Brown will hope to add to their substitute appearances in Northern Ireland’s 3-1 win over Luxembourg in a friendly against Hungary at Belfast’s Windsor Park.

That fixture is also a friendly, but the home crowd will nevertheless create plenty of noise at the famous old ground.

READ MORE: Gavin Whyte scores in impressive cameo for Northern Ireland

Whyte knows how loud Windsor Park can get, recalling Northern Ireland’s Euro 2020 play-off defeat to Slovakia 16 months ago – when only 1,060 fans were allowed in due to Covid restrictions.

“It’s quality,” the 26-year-old said.

“We played against Slovakia in the play-off final and the crowd was insane.

“Unfortunately we didn’t get the win, but we were one game away (from the Euros).”

Brown and Whyte came off the bench during the second half in Luxembourg, with the latter scoring the third goal that sealed victory.

Also on target for Northern Ireland were captain Steven Davis, who boasts several years’ experience at the top level, and Wigan Athletic striker Josh Magennis.

Ian Baraclough’s squad features a host of players who play in the Premier League and Sky Bet Championship and Whyte feels the benefits when he joins up with his country.

The forward said: “It’s good to go away and connect with different players.

“There are higher players who are in the Prem, so you learn a bit more.”

READ MORE: Mark Sykes on his first Republic of Ireland call-up

Elsewhere, it could be a memorable evening for Sykes in Dublin.

The midfielder was an unused substitute for Friday’s 2-2 draw with Belgium, ranked No 1 in the world.

Sykes received his first call-up for this round of fixtures, having switched allegiance from Northern Ireland in August 2020.

Last night, U's midfielder Oisin Smyth played the opening 45 minutes of Northern Ireland Under 21s' 5-0 friendly defeat to France Under 21s in Calais.