New Under 21 manager Ian Baraclough has selected his first squad as his side meet for a training camp ahead of their opening Euro qualifier against Estonia.
Baraclough has named a squad of 24 which will be trimmed down to 20 and explained what it was like selecting his first squad: "I have taken help from Michael O'Neill and Andy Cousins who heads up recruitment and scouting so has seen a lot of the players.
"For me we tried to pick a balanced squad who have been playing regularly for their clubs. I couldn't pick everybody from 50 or so possibilities but we have brought 24 together and it will be brought down to 20 for Estonia."
There are regular names in the squad but also new names have been added into the squad including Coleraine midfielder Ciaron Harkin and striker Jamie McGonigle. On the Bannsiders duo Baraclough shared: "Them boys have been playing regularly, playing for three points and I will be encouraging players to be playing football whether at their clubs or on loan.
"First team football is crucial for development and these boys have been doing it. I watched the Tennent's Irish Cup final and these two boys were excellent on the day, were fresh in my mind and deserve their call-up."
Other call-ups include Jake Dunwoody from Stoke City who is part of his first Northern Ireland squad and Baraclough says it is all about giving players an opportunity to impress, he said: "Jake is a lad that we have recruited through Andy Cousins and there are other younger ones that will be surprised to be in the Under 21s at a young age like David Parkhouse (Sheffield United striker) but they have been doing well.
"For me it is giving people a taste of it but it gives everyone a shake up and whoever you are and performing well you can be taken to the next level.
"Wherever they have come from they have a chance, they all are one step away from the senior group. For me I have to impress that on them as Michael O'Neill is looking for fresh talent."
The squad for the Under 21 training camp is below:
