Whyte: I will get better for club and NI
NORTHERN Ireland’s latest golden boy Gavin Whyte has vowed to keep proving the doubters wrong.
The 22-year-old scored with his first touch in a sensational debut against Israel at Windsor Park but now he’s hungry to perform more heroics for League One side Oxford United and Michael O’Neill’s men.
Netting just 106 seconds after replacing Jordan Jones in the 65th minute of the friendly which Northern Ireland won 3-0 was a dream come true for Whyte but the man who left Crusaders in the summer says he has the confidence and belief to weave more magic.
“I always knew I was going to be a professional footballer and it’s about seeing how far I can go,” said Whyte.
“When you go into full-time football, train with better players and work in the gym you will get stronger. I’m confident in myself and I just want to meet the challenges as they come and prove people wrong. I’m looking forward to the next challenge.”
GAVIN Whyte knows he’s far from the finished article but his first goal for Northern Ireland will take his game to another level. The former Crusaders hero may be thriving in the professional game at Oxford United but he never dared to dream of that fairy tale finish against Israel on Tuesday.
After scoring with his first touch on his senior debut after only 106 seconds, the man from the Markets could be forgiven for thinking international football is easy, but the 22-yearold knows he’s only starting to move through the gears.
The3-0-friendly-win-over Israel was a welcome relief to manager Michael O’Neill who saw his men miss several chances in the Nations League defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina but the man with the broadest smile at Windsor was Whyte who smashed in the third goal after replacing Jordan Jones in the 65th minute.
It was a dream debut for Whyte but there is no chance of him getting carried away with his instant heroics.
The appetite has been whetted for more senior international appearances and that appears highly likely now that a professional switch has sharpened his skills.
Like any talented footballer he’s got confidence to match the quality but he recognises his story is only just beginning.
During his development at Seaview, transfer talk got to his head but now he’s more motivated, focused and driven.
The goal, in many ways, epitomised his determination to make an impact.
“I just wanted to take the chance quickly and thankfully the ball went into the net,” said Whyte after bringing the Windsor Park crowd to their feet.
“The way my career has panned out has happened very quickly but it’s something I always believed would happen. I always knew I was going to be a professional footballer and it’s about seeing how far I can go with my club and Northern Ireland.
“When you go into full-time football, train with better players and work in the gym you will get stronger. This week I was training with the likes of Steven Davis and Jonny Evans and that can only make me a better player.
“It’s been an amazing week and the goal will give me more confidence. A large part of my game is scoring goals and I want to keep doing that.
“It’s a dream come true. The goal gave me more confidence to get on the ball and it’s an incredible feeling. I’m confident in myself and I just want to meet the challenges as they come and prove people wrong. I’m looking forward to the next challenge.
“I made the right choice going to Oxford and had I went to another club I wouldn’t be here with Northern Ireland.”
Skipper Steven Davis and Stuart Dallas both scored wonderful goals as O’Neill’s men rediscovered a ruthless streak that was missing on Saturday but Whyte’s contribution was the story of the night.
Or, at least, one of the stories of the night after Ian Baraclough’s Under-21s recorded a stunning 2-1 Euro 2019 qualifying victory in Spain.
A Shayne Lavery strike and Liam Donnelly penalty in the first eight minutes stunned the table-toppers in Albacete.
Former Linfield favourite Paul Smyth, who won the penalty, knows how Whyte feels after he scored on his senior Northern Ireland debut against South Korea in March.
“I know I needed one less touch than Paul Smyth to score but it doesn’t matter,” added Whyte with a smile. “You still score and that’s the main thing.
“It’s a brilliant result for the Under-21s. No-one had much faith in them to win in Spain but it’s incredible. Spain are a top side but I’m buzzing for the manager and players.”
Midfielder Brad Lyons left Coleraine for Blackburn Rovers, while Bobby Burns joined Hearts from Glenavon, before going on loan to Premiership rivals Livingston.
Burns’ former Lurgan Blues teammate Mark Sykes enhanced his reputation with a commanding midfield display in the Under-21s’ victory.
Paul Smyth earned a move from Linfield to Queens Park Rangers and Coleraine striker Jamie McGonigle is another player who featured for the Under-21s and could enhance his career across the water.
“It just shows the quality that’s in the Irish League,” added Whyte. “Players like Mark Sykes at Glenavon just need to be given a chance. I think they will but all you can do is work hard and when you get across make an impact and hopefully have the feeling I had.”