GAVIN Whyte’s dream week has given the Oxford United winger a taste for the big time which he is determined to repeat.

The 22-year-old shot to fame on Tuesday night by scoring with his first touch in international football, rounding off Northern Ireland’s 3-0 win against Israel.

Whyte returned to the U’s training ground yesterday to a warm welcome from his teammates.

It has been a surreal few days for the rising star, who was playing in part-time football with Crusaders before signing for United in July.

And he is looking to replicate the adrenalin rush – for club and country.

He said: “This is what I want to do.

“Just to get away with the national squad was a dream, but to come on and score was something I’ll never forget.

“Training with the likes of Steven Davis and Jonny Evans is only going to make me better.

“Football is about moments like the other night and I want to have a load of special moments with Oxford. I’m just going to try my best to do that.

“It was special and you just want more weeks like this.

“It was incredible and I just need to kick on now to be a squad player for Northern Ireland and start here every week.”

Despite pinching himself ever since scoring at Windsor Park, Whyte is fit to face Wycombe Wanderers tomorrow.

Having watched on from the Northern Ireland camp as United lost 2-1 against Coventry City last Sunday, he is well aware of just how important the clash at Adams Park is for Karl Robinson’s side.

And after his moment in the international spotlight, the focus now is only on helping United climb away from the foot of the Sky Bet League One table.

He said: “I can’t really dwell on what’s happened over the last couple of days.

“We’ve sold out the away end, so it’s a big game and it’s a game we need to win.

“We’re going to do our best to go in with confidence and hopefully get the three points.”