Whyte determined to emulate room mate Paul and

GAVIN Whyte accepts it’s now or never.

The Crusaders star is coming off the back of a trophy-laden season — one he described as the best 12 months of his life.

He’s on Northern Ireland’s tour to Central America and could make his international debut against Panama in the sweltering heat inside the Estadio Rommel Fernandez.

But in the sun-drench sur- roundings of Panama City, he’s not entirely happy.

The 22 year-old is the subject of interest from Championship club Leeds United and League Two Crawley Town and believes he must make the breakthrough to English football this summer.

A deal is expected soon but the wait is agony for a player who doesn’t want to wait any longer.

The attacking midfielder said he’s completed his apprenticeship in the Irish League and is ready for a chance of big time football.

Whyte said: “I had a really good first year at Crusaders and I was waiting on a move. I didn’t get it and I was saying, ‘What do I need to do to get this move?’

“Two years on from that I was good but I wasn’t consistent. I think this year I’ve ticked all the boxes and I don’t know what else I can do to earn a move.

“Crusaders know I want to go. I’ve spoken to Stevie (Baxter) a couple of times in the last couple of weeks and he’s said he doesn’t think he can hold on to me for another year. I think it’s the right time to go. I’m 22, I don’t think I had a better year than what I had this year so I think I need to go now, and he knows that.

“But with regards to the interest, I’ve just said, ‘If there’s something solid on the table then give me a call’ but I don’t think there’s been much movement.

“There’s interest and there’s been a few calls. Nothing’s actually been agreed.”

Scottish teams in the past, including Dundee United, have been interested in signing Whyte, however the midfield-