Northern Ireland Under-21 manager Steve Beaglehole believes his young charges can take confidence from the fact that promotion to the senior squad is achievable.

Striker Billy Kee is the latest player to step up as Kyle Lafferty could be unavailable for the World Cup qualifier against Slovakia on Wednesday because of a knee problem.

Kee joins Ryan McGivern, who is also eligible for the under-21s, ahead of the clash at Windsor Park.

Andrew Little has also been fast-tracked but is sidelined through injury.

Kee was due to face Iceland in a European Championship qualifier at the Coleraine Showgrounds tonight (7.30) but instead has attracted the attention of senior boss Nigel Worthington.

Beaglehole said: "It is great for the group to see that if you are good enough you will get promoted.

"I speak regularly with Nigel as he takes an active interest in young players.

"He has shown no hesitation in giving someone a chance, no matter their age."

The under-21s are looking to bounce back after losing 2-0 to the Czech Republic in their opening qualifier on Friday.

Beaglehole has been pleased with the way they have responded to that setback and added: "The players have picked themselves up.

"We have to win our home games to have any chance of qualifying and I am feeling confident we can get a positive result."

The Irish FA has announced a marketing initiative which will allow supporters to get into this first home game of the series for only £2.

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 only £2’"