Mark Sykes

Mark Sykes (born 4 August 1997) is an Irish professional footballer who plays for English club Bristol City as a midfielder. Born in Northern Ireland, he plays for the Republic of Ireland national team, having previously represented Northern Ireland at underage level. Club career Glenavon Born in Belfast, Sykes began his career with Glenavon. In December 2017 he was linked with a transfer away from the club. In February 2018 he signed a new contract until the end of the 2018–19 season. In March 2018 he was described by a journalist as "one of the most outstanding young prospects in the Irish League". Oxford United In January 2019 he signed for English club Oxford United, making his debut on 8 January 2019 in the EFL Trophy. He scored his first goal for Oxford against Millwall in the EFL Cup on 27 August 2019, and his first league goal in a 2–1 victory over AFC Wimbledon on 29 December 2019. In his three and a half seasons at the club he made 137 appearances and scored 12 times, including Oxford's consolation goal in their 2–1 defeat to Wycombe Wanderers in the 2020 EFL League One play-off final at Wembley Stadium.