Mark Sykes

Oxford made the play-offs the last two seasons and could well go up this time. Sykes was outstanding for Glenavon in the Irish League as a teenager starring in men's football but it was his performances for the NI under-21s that attracted cross channel interest and he had trials with higher league clubs before signing for Oxford. Gary Hamilton, his manager at Glenavon and a former NI international, reckoned he would make the PL sooner or later and I wouldn't argue with that.

Hotlips_Hoolahan wrote: Another goal today. 6 in 17 league games. One to watch.

Scores again.

8 league goals already this season with only 1 in the previous 2 and a half season at that level with Oxford. I know the lad was keen to come onboard with us and he has expressed that clearly. But it does seem from quotes that Kenny was involved in bringing him on board. Kenny has shown a few times that he can spot players capable of playing at a higher level. Now, he does seem to think that most Irish players can play at higher levels (see quotes re John Egan and Champions League) but McGrath, Ogbene and Bazunu have shown well for him given where their club experience has been earned. Hopefully Sykes can follow suit. I haven't seen enough of him to comment but he's a big lad who can move and score. And I love his quotes about representing us. Fingers crossed. 

A move to the Championship in this wondow, followed up by some promising games at that level could see him there or thereabouts come March.

Wigan have made a late move for him.

A very good assist from Sykes tonight, deserves a place in squad next game ahead of Horgan anyway. Having a fine season and will be at least a Championship player next season.

Edited by JoxerDaly - 01 Feb 2022 at 9:08pm

If there's space for one uncapped midfielder in the squad for March, unless Kilkenny gets another good run of first team football, Sykes is the one I'd like to see come in. Taylor and Coventry have been called up previously but he's ahead of both of those for me at the moment.