Mark Sykes in allegiance switch from Northern Ireland to Republic of Ireland

Baraclough is set to confirm his selection on Monday for September’s Nations League fixtures against Romania and Norway following a June appointment as successor to Michael O’Neill.

Sykes played under Baraclough with Northern Ireland under 21s and the Oxford United player’s decision is understood to have left those at the IFA extremely disappointed.

The IFA confirmed the player’s decision but opted against any further comment at this point - with Sykes’ declaration arriving as a blow following the midfielder’s impressive progress in full-time football since leaving the Irish League and Glenavon at the start of last year.

The 23-year-old helped Oxford reach last season’s League One play-off final and found the net at Wembley in defeat to Wycombe Wanderers.

Sykes was called up by O’Neill into a number of senior panels and training squads.

The Republic of Ireland meet Bulgaria and Finland across Nations League fixtures then tackle Slovakia in October for the Euro 2020 play-off semi-finals. Northern Ireland’s visit to Bosnia-Herzegovina at the same stage of the EURO 2020 play-off process offers the possibility of a showdown with Republic of Ireland for finals qualification.

Belfast-born Sykes featured in Oxford’s weekend friendly win over Banbury United but limped off with an ankle injury.

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