Another big step for Leicester City Under-21s, says manager Steve Beaglehole

Leicester City's under-21 development squad entertain local rivals Coventry tonight at the King Power Stadium and manager Steve Beaglehole believes the experience will prepare the young professionals for the first team.

Beaglehole believes City's inclusion in the newly-formed league, which allows each team to include three over-age players, is a vital step in preparing the players for the first team, and said he has been delighted with his side's excellent recent form.

"It's something we have needed at the club in the last few years," he said.

"The under-18 side have been excellent but, for a lot of the players, they need another step before they go on to the first team set-up.

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"There hasn't been that kind of bridge, but the under-21 league gives us a chance to drive them on more regularly and play some of the under-18 players 'up'.

"This helps the process a huge amount, and being able to introduce the experience of first-team players now and again is another big positive.

"One of the big things young players have to get used to is playing on main stadium pitches. Some of them will have had the opportunity at under-18 level in the FA Youth Cup, but you have to get used to playing on these stages regularly.

"We've had three games at King Power Stadium already and we played at the City Ground against Nottingham Forest last week. If it's something they can get used to now, it will improve their chances of coping with it in front of 20,000 with the first team."

Kick-off is 7.0 and admission is priced £3 for adults and £1 for under-18s on the night.