Sykes secures move to Oxford

Young midfielder links up with Gavin Whyte at League One side

Mark Sykes
Author: Nigel GouldPublished 3rd Jan 2019
Last updated 3rd Jan 2019

Glenavon midfielder Mark Sykes has finally sealed his dream move to full-time football.

The 21-year-old has signed a three-and-a-half deal with League One side, Oxford United where he links up with former Danske Bank Premiership star, Gavin Whyte, who made the move at the start of the season.

Sykes, who has played for Northern Ireland at an U23 level, has put pen to paper for an undisclosed fee.

And he could be thrown in at the deep end.

Oxford are away to Brentford in the FA Cup on Saturday – and Sykes may play some part.

Sykes has made no secret of his desire to play at a higher level.

As a guest on Cool FM's first-ever live BetMcLean Facebook show in November, he revealed he could be on his way to England in the January transfer window.

“I would obviously love to get away as much as Glenavon is really a challenge at the minute and we are doing quite well,” he told us.

“If there was an opportunity to come up in January obviously I would be delighted to go then.

“Hopefully, as much as I would like to stay and help Glenavon out, at the end of the day I need to make a career and do as good as I can."