MARK Sykes admits it can be tough to find a balance when Oxford United are racking up the miles.

Tonight’s Sky Bet League One trip to Doncaster Rovers is the second of three away games in seven days for the U’s.

United trained late yesterday and travelled north in the evening to maximise their recovery after Saturday’s draw at Sunderland.

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But players like Sykes, who has a young daughter, must also factor in life off the pitch.

The midfielder said: “We travelled to Sunderland at the weekend and got home quite late, my partner went to work on Sunday and my little girl woke up at six o’clock.

“That’s life, some people who don’t have kids can do whatever they want but for me it can be quite challenging sometimes.

“It’s going to be another late one, we probably won’t get home until two or three in the morning.

“It can be tough depending on your life outside football, but you’ve got to try to get as much rest as possible.

“Sometimes you have to put your little girl back to bed.”

The 24-year-old (above) was one of seven players to test positive for Covid before the postponed trip to Wigan Athletic on November 20, returning as a late substitute at the Stadium of Light.

Sykes said: “I didn’t feel 100 per cent, so I wouldn’t have felt myself if I’d been in from the start.

"As a winger, I want to feel as sharp as possible, because that’s my game and what it’s based on.

"I did quite a lot of running from Tuesday to Friday and felt super leggy.

"Even in the last ten minutes I probably wasn’t as sharp.

"If I’m involved (tonight) my legs will be a lot better.”

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After facing a promotion rival three days ago, United visit a side who are second bottom of League One.

Sykes said: “We’ve got every right to be favourites, but without beating around the bush these are the type of games we need to win if we want to go up this year.

“You can afford the draws against the teams around you so they don’t get away from you.

"I think that was our downfall last year.

"If we want to be a bit harsh, then maybe we need to start picking up three points in them.”