A Northern Ireland Under-18 development team will be playing two home games against Denmark next week.
The games against the Danish U18s are being staged in Dungannon and Castledawson – and entry to them is free.
Northern Ireland U17s and U19s boss Stephen Frail has organised the matches to take a look at players who could potentially join the U19 squad over the next 12 months.
He explained: “I felt there was too long a gap in terms of contact time between seeing our players at under-17 level and under-19 level. I think these two friendlies against a top European side will be a chance to see how several players are developing since I first saw them at under-17 level.
“In my role I visit the players at clubs’ academies to check on how they are progressing but these games will enable me to see where they are in terms of playing international football.”
He also revealed he will be using the games against the Danes to introduce some new faces to the Northern Ireland set-up, players who are eligible to play for Northern Ireland through parents or grandparents.
Joining a youth squad for the first time next week will be Daniel Ballard (Arsenal), Cameron Palmer (Rangers), Alfie McCalmont (Leeds United) and Kyle McDowell (Portsmouth).
The first of the games against Denmark U18s is being staged at Stangmore Park in Dungannon next Tuesday (28 February) with a 7.30pm kick-off. The second match takes place next Thursday (2 March) at Mill Meadow in Castledawson, again with a 7.30pm start.
The U18 development squad features:
Oliver Webber Crystal Palace
Rory Brown Wolverhampton Wanderers
Keith Kearney Rochdale
Adam McAleenan Ards
Marc McKenna Chesterfield
Josh Tipping Chesterfield
Jack Chambers West Bromich Albion
Caolan Boyd-Munce Birmingham City
Cameron Palmer Rangers
Alfie McCalmont Leeds United
Reece McGinley Rotherham United
Harry Robinson Glenavon
Ethan Galbraith Manchester United
Andrew Scott Maiden City
Kyle McDowell Portsmouth
Daniel Ballard Arsenal
Bary McKeown Portadown
Dean Corrigan Ballinamallard United
