Making my international bow would mean world to me: Whyte
SOMETIMES a footballer’s career can stall or drift, but Gavin Whyte must be pinching himself when he reflects on a whirlwind year.
Still on a high after sealing a dream move to the professional game with Oxford United after terrorising defences for Crusaders, the 22-year old is now tantalisingly close to making his senior Northern Ireland debut.
The move to League One Oxford was a significant step for the Belfast man, but three goals in five appearances suggests the flying winger is starting to find his feet.
Whyte received his first senior international call-up earlier this year for the summer friendlies against Costa Rica and Panama but he didn’t feature in either game.
Still, he cast his eyes on the Northern Ireland jersey with ‘Whyte’ on the back and his face lit up.
After moving from Ian Baraclough’s Under-21 panel to the senior ranks ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina, he’s desperate to keep living the dream.
“Training has been incredible,” said Whyte at the team’s base at the Culloden Hotel yesterday.
“I’ve only trained three times but it’s so quick and you can see how good they are.
“It’s been brilliant and it will help my game.
“Making my debut would mean the world to me and my family. This is why you play the game, to make your competitive international debut.
“I’ ll keep working hard, hoping it comes. Michael is keeping up to date with my progress and he tells me to keep playing my own game and show no fear.
“Playing at Windsor for Northern Ireland would mean the world to me.
“When I went to America I saw Whyte and the number seven on the back of the shirt and it was unbelievable.
“Windsor has been good to me, I’ve scored a few goals there and it would be a dream to play with the Northern Ireland lads there.
“The tour helped me get the move in the summer.
“It was an amazing two weeks and the training was amazing. An injury prevented me from playing but I’d like to thank Michael for giving me that opportunity.”
Whyte, who netted 23 times for Crusaders last season, was on the scoresheet as Oxford defeated Newport County to set up a meeting with Manchester City in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
“The start I had at Oxford wasn’t great because I wasn’t playing, but I’m glad to be in the squad now and scoring goals,” he added.
“My aim is to stay in the squad and keep doing that.
“It has been hard, my body didn’t take it very well.
“I was only training on Tuesdays and Thursdays with Crusaders but this is a whole different level. You have two games a week and training every day, but this is all I wanted to do. I’m just about getting used to it but it’s been brilliant.
“I’m ready to progress now and I’m glad I didn’t go across when I was younger. I’m glad I matured in the Irish League, playing every week against big boys. It’s been really pleasing.
“It shows you what the Irish League is capable of. There are good young players who just deserve a chance. If they are playing well for their clubs there is no reason why they shouldn’t be given that opportunity. It’s been a good experience for me and hopefully more get the chance.”
Whyte got one over on his international team-mate and former Cliftonville favourite Liam Boyce when Oxford defeated Burton in a League One clash last month.
“I played against Liam Boyce three weeks ago and we beat them 3-1,” he said with a smile. “That was good! Boycey is an incredible player and he was the first opponent I knew, so it was good to catch up with him after the game. He told me a few jokes!
“Oxford is a great place and the right choice for me. I might not have played at a bigger club. I signed a three-year deal and I’m looking forward to see how I progress.
“I have confidence in my ability, and I knew I would be a professional footballer at some point, but it’s just been an amazing story and coming up against Manchester City in the EFL Cup is a dream come true. It’s a pity it’s not away from home but it will be amazing.”
Reflecting on his surprise callup, he added: “I didn’t really expect a call-up this soon. I got the email to go on the Under-21 trip but my agent told me to keep the phone on because you never know.
“I got an email from David Currie to say I was in the squad, and as soon as I saw that I rang my mum (Patricia) and she was over the moon.
“It’s been a crazy few months for me, but the best ones as well.”