GAVIN Whyte is braced to pick up another cap for Northern Ireland tonight, as Ian Baraclough’s side face Luxembourg in a friendly.

Whyte will be aiming for his 22nd appearance for his country, and to add to his tally of three goals.

He is joined in the international squad by Oxford United teammate Ciaron Brown, while January recruit Oisin Smyth is in the Northern Ireland under-21 squad.

Whyte enjoyed a memorable night the last time he was on international duty, as in November, his nation held Italy to a 0-0 draw – a result which denied the European champions automatic World Cup qualification.

A win for Switzerland over Bulgaria meant they topped the group, leaving Italy facing a play-off to go to Qatar.

The draw secured third spot for Baraclough’s side.

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Whyte started up front alongside Josh Magennis against the Italians at Windsor Park, and the night is one which will live long in the memory for the Cardiff City loanee.

“Obviously the last trip I started against Italy at Windsor Park, which was a really good night for me and my family, it’s a proud moment,” said Whyte.

“Every time I play for Northern Ireland, I’m very proud.”

Whyte has shown he is more than capable of being a key player for United throughout this term, bagging 10 assists – more than anyone else at the club.

However, he admitted he needs to be sharper in goal, with just one goal all season.

Whyte missed three first-half chances last time out against Ipswich Town, as the U’s failed to turn their dominance in the opening 45 minutes into any goals.

“They know what I’m about, they probably haven’t seen it this season,” said Whyte.

“I’ve been unlucky with illnesses and some injuries but that’s not an excuse.

“I need to be a little bit better with goals and assists, but they know what I’m about and I know what I can do, so it’s about me working hard and hopefully it’ll come soon.

“I’ve got the ability to do it, the gaffer thinks so too, so it’s up to me that when I get on the pitch, I do it and hopefully give the fans something to cheer about.”

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As United’s squad is packed with talent in the attacking third, Whyte is hoping his versatility will serve him well, offering head coach Karl Robinson options on the wing, as a No 10 and through the middle as a striker.

It is as the latter that Whyte has been deployed most recently, partnering Matty Taylor up front for the games against Ipswich and Shrewsbury Town.

Whyte also referenced his hat-trick for the U’s against Shrewsbury in April 2019, during his previous spell with the club, as an example of his goalscoring capabilities.

“When I was young, I played up front and obviously I played up front last time I was here,” he said.

“I scored the hat-trick and the manager knows I can do it if needs be, but as players say, as long as they’re playing, they don’t really care where.

“I think I’m a natural winger but if I need to play in the 10 or up front, I’ll do the job.”