Ivan Bogerem, Aziz Kayondo and Bobosi Byaruhanga have been included in the Uganda Cranes 28-man Chan squad.
The three youngsters played a vital role as they helped Uganda win the 2020 Cecafa Under-20 Championship and in the process qualified for the U20 Afcon.
The Northern Ireland tactician has now given them an opportunity to show what they can offer.
“The squad includes three of the outstanding players from the Uganda U20 successful trip to Tanzania where they qualified for the U20 Afcon,” McKinstry told reporters.
“We felt that it was important that the top U20 players would be given their opportunity to shine on the Chan team because that is what Chan is all about.
“It is ultimately about young players gaining that exposure, showing their talents to the world and potentially launching successful careers for themselves.”
The 35-year-old has also challenged other players to give their best when turning out for the national team in different set-up, stating it is the only way of getting in the senior team.
“Having held conversations with the U20 national team coaches and considering the needs of the Chan team, we felt that Kayondo, Bobosi and Bogere were in the perfect position to get their chance.
“It should give encouragement for other boys in the youth national teams that if they perform and continue to progress, they will also get the chance to compete with their senior brothers in the senior team.
“We have demonstrated that if you are a top performer in the CHAN team, you will get your opportunity to perform in the senior Cranes team in the AFCON and World Cup qualifiers.”
The provisional squad
Goalkeepers: Joel Mutakubwa (Kyetume), Nafian Alionzi (URA), Tom Ikara (Police)
Defenders: Eric Ssenjobe (Police), Aziz Kayondo (Vipers), Derrick Ndahiro (SC Villa), Paul Willa (Vipers), Ashraf Mandela (URA), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers), Mustafa Mujuzi (Kyetume), Patrick Mbowa (URA), Murushid Juuko (Express), Muhamood Hassan (Police)
Midfielders: Shafiq Kagimu (URA), Tony Mawejje (Police), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Vipers), Karim Watambala (Vipers), Saidi Kyeyune (URA), Hassan Ssenyonjo (Wakiso Giants)
Forwards: Ben Ocen (Police), Ibrahim Orit (Vipers), Vianne Ssekajugo (Wakiso Giants), Joseph Ssemujju (BUL), Joachim Ojera (URA), Milton Karisa (Vipers), Stephen Mukwala (URA), Mohamed Shaban (Vipers), Ivan Bogere (Proline)