MARK Sykes has received the first senior international call-up of his career.

The 21-year-old midfielder is in the Northern Ireland squad alongside Oxford United teammate Gavin Whyte.

They are part of a 27-man group selected for Euro 2020 qualifiers in Estonia (June 8) and Belarus (June 11).

Sykes, who had represented his country at several age group levels, impressed boss Michael O'Neill during training camps in Manchester over the last two weeks.

Northern Ireland top Group C, ahead of the Netherlands and Germany, after home wins against Estonia and Belarus in March.

While it is Sykes's first taste of international action, Whyte made his debut last September.

He scored with his first touch against Israel and has four caps so far.