Scottish test for Millar's boys

Northern Ireland Under-21s manager Roy Millar is gearing up for a serious test from Scotland tomorrow as his team prepare for the European Championship qualifiers.

He takes his squad to St Mirren’s Love Street Stadium for a warm-up game against the hosts.

The real test for Millar’s men will come next month when they travel to Spain for their opening European fixture.

He said: “This is our only practice match before the qualifiers, so we appreciate having a game against Scotland.

“They will be a lot more experienced than us. They have some useful players to call on.

“We know it will be a competitive game, so it will be a good test for us before we meet Spain.”

Two of the Irish Under-21s’ side have experience of playing in Europe already this season.

Goalkeeper Elliott Morris turned out for Glentoran, while Andrew Hunter appeared for Linfield.

“Elliott in particular did really well,” said Millar, who has named an 18-man squad.

Sunderland defender George McCartney was included in the senior squad which drew 0-0 with Cyprus last month.

Millar will be without injured striker Warren Feeney, of Bournemouth.

That could mean a debut for Rochdale’s Lee McEvilly, who joined the Third Division club at the turn of the year.

The Liverpool-born player was working part-time in a burger bar and turning out for non-league Burscough before his £15,000 (€26,700) move.