Roy Millar and senior NI team manager Sammy McIlroy

Roy Millar saw his side chalk up a rare victory as speculation about the future of the Northern Ireland Under-21 set-up mounted.

The NI youngsters secured their first competitive win in 35 months when they beat Armenia 3-1 in front of a sparse crowd at Ballymena.

However, Tuesday's rare victory might not be enough to save the U-21 team from being scrapped.

There is growing concern among some administrators that the cost of running the Under-21s can no longer be justified.

Senior team manager Sammy McIlroy and Irish FA president Jim Boyce have consistently stressed how important the young side is in developing international stars of the future.

But the huge cost of taking the Under-21 team to away matches has prompted the IFA to take stock.

In his programme notes for Tuesday's Under-21 game, president Boyce said young players had to be encouraged.

"A considerable amount of finance is required for the running of soccer at international level. Our trip to Ukraine cost the association around �100,000.

"But everyone at the IFA is agreed the development of our young players is our main hope for the future."

Northern Ireland Under-21 boss Millar was shocked to see his team go a goal behind after just three minutes.

Comfortable victory

Levon Pachajyan finished off a well-worked move by sending a shot beyond Alan Blayney from 12 yards.

But Northern Ireland sealed a comfortable victory thanks to goals from Warren Feeney, sub Terry McFlynn and Hugh Davey.

Millar was thrilled at the way his team responded in the second half.

"I am delighted for the boys," he said. "At times we have not got the results our performances have warranted.

"We lost 1-0 to Spain in the 93rd minute and have struggled to pick up points since then.

"We sat off Armenia a little bit too much early on but we dominated the second half.

"Our passing was so much better and we put a lot of pressure on them and got our rewards in the end."