The winger is only in his first season with Rochdale, having just turned professional in August, and McIlroy’s plan is to have a closer look at him in training.

However, McIlroy claimed he would have no doubts about bringing McCourt on as a substitute against Spain.

‘‘This game is a great opportunity to bring him in and give him that little bit of experience of training with the other lads,’’ said McIlroy.

‘‘I know he’s only 18, but age doesn’t matter that much if you’ve got ability and I think he’s got a bright future ahead of him.

‘‘We’ll see how things are and if things are right then I might give him 20 or 30 minutes, and I would have no problem doing that.

‘‘I’ve been very impressed with him in what is only his first season.

‘‘He can go down both wings, right or left, while I think he can also operate up front down the middle. He’s also got an eye for goal which is important.’’

McCourt’s call-up capped a memorable 24 hours as last night he scored in Rochdale’s 3-2 home win over Hull, which confirmed their place in the Third Division play-offs.

McCourt, who was born in Londonderry, only earned his first proper contract a few months ago and has managed to make 25 appearances for Dale, scoring four goals.

McIlroy had wanted to call him up for last month’s friendly against Liechtenstein, but agreed to Dale’s request to wait so as not to disrupt their push for the play-offs.

McCourt is the only new face in the 20-man Irish squad and such are McIlroy’s limited resources that his party almost picks itself.

Skipper Steve Lomas misses out through suspension following his sending off against Liechtenstein, while his West Ham team-mate Grant McCann has been ruled out with a knee ligaments injury.

Newcastle’s Aaron Hughes returns after McIlroy allowed him to miss the Liechtenstein game at the request of Bobby Robson.

Northern Ireland squad to play Spain at Windsor Park on Wednesday, April 17:

Taylor (Fulham), Carroll (Manchester United), Griffin (Dundee United), Kennedy (Wigan), McCartney (Sunderland), Williams (Wimbledon), Holmes (Wrexham), A Hughes (Newcastle), Johnson, M Hughes (both Birmingham), Gillespie (Blackburn), Magilton (Ipswich), Lennon (Celtic), Mulryne (Norwich), McCourt (Rochdale), Horlock (Manchester City), Healy (Preston), Elliott (Motherwell), McVeigh (Norwich), Feeney (Bournemouth).