MARK Sykes says he is ready to make his senior international debut this afternoon, if the opportunity comes his way.

The Oxford United midfielder has represented Northern Ireland’s age group sides all the way up to

under-21 level.

But his first call-up to Michael O’Neill’s senior side only came after taking part in a training camp last month.

He and fellow U’s teammate Gavin Whyte are in Estonia for the first of a Euro 2020 qualifying double-header.

As the new face in the squad, Sykes is likely to be named among the substitutes in Tallinn and for Tuesday’s game in Belarus.

But after spending time in the camp, the 21-year-old is eager to show he can contribute.

Sykes told the Northern Ireland Podcast: “When I went to the training camp I thought maybe Michael just wanted to have a look at me and see what I’m about.

“Thankfully I’ve done myself good and if there’s anything that happens to the players who Michael has named to start games I know I’ll be ready to do what he needs.”

Whyte has a decent chance of starting the games, having collected four caps since joining the U’s from Crusaders last summer.