Peter Thompson is one of three Linfield players in the U21 squad

Although Peter Thompson and Michael Gault are also in Roy Millar's squad, Linfield's CIS Cup game with Limavady on Wednesday night will go ahead.

The Republic have turned to the Eircom League to cope with injuries.

UCD's Conor Kenna, Stephen Bradley of Drogheda and Bohemians striker Stephen Ward have been called in.

"It is a great honour for the boys," said Linfield boss David Jeffrey on his club's three call-ups.

Thompson's ability in the box will give Millar some attacking options along with Hibs pair Sammy Morrow and Dean Shiels.

"I have actually left one of my English-based strikers at home to include Thompson," said the U21 boss.

Kyle McVey and Sean Ward are also included in the panel.

Sammy Clingan is missing with a broken arm while Steve Davis and Chris Brunt are set to be included in the senior squad to face Malta.

Three Derry City players, Pat McCourt, Ruaidhri Higgins and Mark McCrystal, are involved in the panel.

N Ireland U21 squad: McGovern (Celtic), Julian (Stevenage Borough); Ward (Glentoran), Webb (Ross County), McCrystal (Derry City), Friars (Notts County), McLean (Rangers), Gilfillan (Gretna), Kingberry (Linfield), McVey (Coleraine); McCourt (Derry City), Gault (Linfield), Murtagh (Sligo Rovers), Hughes (Oldham Athletic), Smylie (Newcastle United), Higgins (Derry City); Braniff (Millwall), Shiels (Hibernian), Morrow (Hibernian), Thompson (Linfield).