Lewis Leigh, Josh Seary, Noah Mawene and Joe Rodwell-Grant have had game time in some of the friendlies to date.
North End head coach McAvoy was keen to have them involved in the senior squad, taking Leigh, Seary and Mawene to the Scottish training camp, together with young keeper Oliver Lombard.
McAvoy said: “We’ve seen some of the young lads in training and in matches.
“Noah picked up a bit of an injury at the weekend playing for the Under-19s against Middlesbrough.
“Lewis Leigh for me has done really well in the games.
“Maybe he struggled a wee bit in the Bolton game but I thought when he came on against Accrington he didn’t look out of place at all.
“I’ve been delighted with him, as I have been with the others.
“No matter what age you are, if you are good enough you are going to get a chance.”
We have gathered the best of recent Championship transfer speculation below.
5. West Ham to move for Championship defender amid Premier League interest
West Ham are reportedly keen to sign Middlesbrough’s Djed Spence this summer. The defender is also on Norwich and Everton’s radars. (The Telegraph) Photo: Stu Forster
6. Fulham put £10m price tag on defender amid interest from Premier League giants
Fulham are prepared to let Antonee Robinson go for £10 million. Manchester City, Wolves and Bordeaux are monitoring the defender. (HITC) Photo: Pool
7. Rovers favourite to sign former Sheffield Wednesday star
Adam Reach is set to make a decision on his future this week, with Blackburn Rovers firmly in the running to make him their first summer signing. Reach has been on Rovers’ radar since his departure from Sheffield Wednesday last month. (Lancashire Telegraph) Photo: Stu Forster
8. Forest place £600k price tag on defender's head amid Blackpool links
Nottingham Forest have put a £600,000 price tag on defender Jordan Gabriel, amid interest from Blackpool and Sunderland. Gabriel spent last season on loan with the Seasiders. (Football League World) Photo: Catherine Ivill