OXFORD ACE NOW LIVING THE DREAM

happened so quick for me but I’ve always been confident in my ability and was determined to become a full-time footballer. I’ve been given a chance and I want to take it with both hands and see how far I can go.”

As well as kicking on at Oxford in League One, Whyte is eager to establish himself as a regular for boss Michael O’neill (below) in the Nations League and Euro 2020 qualifiers.

“I want to thank Michael for giving me a chance and I’m hungry for more,” he said. “My aim now is to try and stay in the senior squad. I just need to impress Michael with my club form - that’s my target. I can’t dwell too much on this. I have to look ahead and concentrate on my next game for Oxford.”

While the domestic game here has its critics, Whyte was one of six former Irish League players in O’neill’s squad, including Stuart Dallas who was also on target against Israel.

“It shows you the quality there is in the local game,” said Whyte. “There are brilliant players in the Irish League, like Mark Sykes who is in the U21s and they just need a chance. I’m sure if they keep working hard, they will get that chance.”

Meanwhile, winger Jordan Jones is eager to get his mojo back after a “draining” transfer window linking him with a move to Rangers and other clubs.

The tricky Kilmarnock winger has endured a stop-start season to date and was “frustrated” by his below par display against Israel. He said: “It was mental torture really.”