Midfielder Sykes joins Millwall on two-year deal

Mark Sykes played for Northern Ireland Under-21s before switching allegiance to the Republic of Ireland [Getty Images] Millwall have signed Republic of Ireland international Mark Sykes on a two-year contract. The 28-year-old midfielder was released by Bristol City at the end of last season having spent four seasons at Ashton Gate, scoring 18 goals in 153 appearances in all competitions. Sykes started his career with Glenavon in Northern Ireland before joining Oxford United in 2019 and signing for Bristol City three years later. His move to Millwall follows the news of the departure of fellow midfielder Barry Bannan back to Sheffield Wednesday. "Mark is a proven, experienced Championship player with senior international caps to his name and he brings genuine versatility to our squad," Millwall's director of football Steve Gallen told the club website. "He can operate at right-back, right-wing or the right side of the midfield, and having that kind of flexibility in one player is a real asset for us." Latest Millwall news, analysis and fan views