OXFORD United's Mark Sykes will have to wait a little longer for his Republic of Ireland debut as he waits for his paperwork to go through.

The 23-year-old switched his international allegiance from Northern Ireland in August, but is unavailable for the games against Slovakia, Wales and Finland next month.

The three matches take place between Thursday, October 8 and Wednesday, October 14, meaning the midfielder would have missed United's trip to Gillingham on October 10.

Mark Sykes: Playing for Republic of Ireland is a "dream"

Sykes played 11 times for Northern Ireland at under 21 level before the Republic of Ireland reportedly made contact earlier in the summer.

United's No 10 had been called up to senior squads without making his debut and told coach Ian Baraclough that he wished to switch allegiance.