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Although this may be a non-competitive fixture, the manager believes that there is no such thing as a friendly when it comes to the boys fighting for their shirt, adding that all such matches involve experimenting, but all the same he still wants to win - “Winning is a good habit to get into,” he said. 

The Northern Ireland boys played their Ukrainian counterparts last August in an Under 21 tournament in Ukraine – a game which ended in a 4-1 win for the home side.  However Beaglehole believes that his squad is ready for the challenge on March 31 and with the game in our own back yard, is hoping that the winning side this time round will be the boys in green.

“Ukraine are a big football nation and were better than us last time, but I’m pleased with our preparation and we’re moving in the right direction.”

The game on Tuesday March 31 at Shamrock Park, home of Portadown Football Club, will kick-off at 7.30pm.

And the Irish FA has announced a marketing initiative which will allow supporters to get into the game for only £1.  Geoff Wilson, the Irish FA’s Head of Marketing and Communications said: “We want as many football fans as possible to attend the game and support Steve Beaglehole and his Under 21 players and this initiative will allow adults and children to ‘Get into the Ground’ for £1.”

Members of the Irish FA’s Official Supporters Scheme will gain free entry to the game by showing their membership card at the turnstiles.