GAVIN Whyte has added motivation to help Oxford United halt their slump at Southend United today – because he is missing the next two games.

The winger flies off on international duty with Northern Ireland tomorrow for their UEFA Nations League games in Austria and Bosnia & Herzegovina.

While his absence from Tuesday’s Checkatrade Trophy tie with Northampton Town is no real issue, the 22-year-old will also miss the key basement clash with Plymouth Argyle in a week’s time.

With United suffering their worst start to a season in 18 years, head coach Karl Robinson could do with all the help he can get.

Whyte knows the timing is not ideal, so will be doing all he can as the U’s look for only their second league win of the season at Roots Hall this afternoon.

He said: “The Plymouth game is one I don’t want to be missing, but I’ll be looking out for the score and hoping the boys get three points.

“But I’m here on Saturday and we’ll do all we can to get the three points there.

“I’m away on Sunday, so I want to go away with a win and that confidence.

“We know we’re not performing like we should be. We’re still playing well, but it’s just that the game’s won in the two boxes.

“We’re a close group and we are confident it’s going to change soon. We just need to keep working and hopefully the win will come soon that will kick us on.”

Whyte was deployed in a central role as Robinson switched to a front two in Tuesday’s 2-1 home defeat to Luton Town.

He said: “I’ve played there once or twice in the last couple of years.

“It’s something I’m not used to, but I enjoy it.

“I like getting at players and dropping into holes, getting the ball and turning.”

Samir Carruthers missed the under 23s’ 1-0 win over Swansea City in the Premier League Cup due to a slight tweak to his knee, but is expected to travel to Essex, however, Shandon Baptiste is suspended.

Southend are likely to welcome back Sam Mantom in midfield after he was rested for Tuesday’s 2-1 win at Burton Albion, but their injury list includes Rob Kiernan (knee), Harry Bunn (heel) and Harry Lennon (toe).

TODAY’S LINE-UPS

Southend Utd: from Oxley, Demetriou, White, Turner, Moore, Coker, Mantom, Dieng, Cox, Hopper, Robinson, Hutchinson, Yearwood, McCoulsky, Klass, Kightly, Kyprianou, Bwomono, Bishop.

Oxford Utd: from Mitchell, McMahon, Nelson, Dickie, Garbutt, Ruffels, Brannagan, Hanson, Whyte, Holmes, Smith, Obika, Mackie, Henry, Carruthers, Mousinho, Shearer.