Now is the Whyte time to move - O'Neill advice to rising young star
Leeds and Crawley Town among clubs chasing Crues winger
Last updated 17th May 2018
Michael O’Neill is hoping Crusaders winger Gavin Whyte can follow in the footsteps of former Linfield star Paul Smyth – and become a full-time professional across the water.
Championship side Leeds and Harry Kewell’s Crawley Town are among those believed to be chasing the 22-year-old’s signature after what has been an incredible year.
Whyte helped the Crues to the Danske Bank Premiership title and picked up both the Ulster Footballer of the Year and NI Football Awards Player of the Year.
Smyth left Linfield for QPR and in his first season in England, was named the London club’s Young Player of the Year.
O’Neill said there were plenty of similarities between the two players.
Paul probably surprised us a little bit with the progress that he’s made – but it shows he is capable of doing that,” he said.
“You would always think with Paul it might take a little longer because of his stature but that does not seem to hinder him at all and Gavin football wise I think has the capability to make a real impact if he is given the chance.”
Meanwhile, Jonny Evans’ future could be decided in the next couple of weeks.
It is understood several Premiership clubs are interested in signing the West Brom captain.
Evans can leave the Hawthorns for a cut-price £3m thanks to a special release clause in his contract.
He has been included, along with Smyth and uncapped Whyte in O’Neill’s 22-man squad for friendlies with Panama and Costa Rica.
Other players going on the Central America tour are Leeds keeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell and Cameron McGeehan who, like Whyte, has been capped at Under-21 level.
There is no place for captain Steven Davis who has played just 32 minutes for Southampton since picking up an injury in February.
Northern Ireland face Panama, who are in England’s World Cup group, on May 30 before meeting Costa Rica in San Jose on June 3.