Belfast-born Sykes 'super happy' to make first Republic start

New Zealand's Liberato Cacace challenges Mark Sykes during the Dublin friendly

Republic of Ireland midfielder Mark Sykes says he was "absolutely delighted" to make his first start in the 1-1 friendly draw with New Zealand.

"I played a few minutes in Malta and Gibraltar but nothing beats playing out there and especially a full game so I'm super happy," said Sykes.

"I've been waiting a long time for that - I was absolutely delighted."

Sykes moved from Irish League side Glenavon to Oxford United in early 2019 and now plays in the Championship for Bristol City.

He became the first Belfast-born player to represent the Republic of Ireland in 76 years when he made his debut as an 85th-minute substitute in the 1-0 win over Malta in 2022.

The winger made a decisive impact at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday night when he won the ball off Nando Pijnaker before feeding Idah to score on 28 minutes.

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"When I nicked it off the defender I was just saying to myself 'please score', just so I've done something positive in the game," added Sykes, who played for NI Under-21s before switching allegiance in 2020.

"It's frustrating not to win the game but hopefully I can keep getting on the pitch more often and the wins will come.

"I've been in England five years now - a lot has happened, it hasn't just been plain sailing, there's been many ups and downs and I'm sure I'll have plenty more.

"For me it's more about continuous games at this level, especially these home games and it would be nice to play in a qualifier."

It was another disappointing display from the Irish against a side ranked 45 places below them although there were cheers for James McClean as he made his farewell appearance for the Republic after winning 103 caps.

Sykes was handed his first Republic start by Stephen Kenny on what was likely to be his final game in charge as manager with his contract expiring after the friendly.

Stephen Kenny cut a frustrated figure during the friendly draw with New Zealand

The Republic won just two of their eight Euro 2024 qualifiers with both victories coming against group minnows Gibraltar.

Kenny, who said after the match that he doesn't expect to be offered a new contract by the FAI, has chalked up only 11 wins from 40 matches and his fate will be decided at an FAI board meeting next week.

"He's in uncertain times - he's asked for clarity and he didn't get it," said Sykes.

"The signs are probably there that he might be replaced and he says that openly in his press conference.

"For him it's not nice but the result probably ended up settling the situation that we're in - a 1-1 draw against New Zealand kind of sums up the atmosphere in the camp at the minute."