Scotland's new look under-21s suffered a discouraging home defeat by their Northern Ireland counterparts in their challenge match at New Douglas Park.

Home manager Billy Stark scheduled this game as preparation for the European Under-21 Championship qualifiers, which begin next year, and included 10 uncapped players in his squad.

However, he was left with several headaches, mostly in defence, after a disjointed display.

Striker Jamie Murphy put the home side ahead in the third minute but Josh McQuoid twice took advantage of slack play in the Scotland defence to turn the game in favour of the visitors.

Scotland midfielder Scott Arfield then had his 43rd-minute penalty saved by Irish keeper Trevor Carson before Andrew Little increased Northern Ireland's lead just after the interval with a drive from close range to complete a miserable night for the Scotland youngsters.

The home side got off to the perfect start when Murphy drove them into the lead with three minutes on the clock.

Scotland skipper Paul Caddis forged his way down the right and when he cut the ball back into the box, the Motherwell youngster volleyed smartly past Carson from 12 yards out.

The visitors looked out of their depth for a period but found themselves level in the 10th minute following a long clearance from Carson.

Little flicked the ball on and McQuoid easily fended off the challenge of Scotland right-back David Gray to knock the ball over the on-rushing Alan Martin from just inside the box.

The Scotland keeper injured himself as he clashed with McQuoid and had to go off minutes later to be replaced by Scott Gallacher.

The Rangers keeper - on loan at Cowdenbeath - looked to be slow off his line in the 26th minute when Northern Ireland stole in the lead.

A hopeful punt from inside his own half by defender Adam Chapman sent McQuoid racing past Jamie Duff and Alex Pearce before he knocked the ball over Gallacher, giving him time to pick his spot even though the Scotland defenders had got back in front of goal.

In the 43rd minute, Scotland were awarded a penalty when Daniel Lafferty collided with Kevin McDonald inside the box.

However, Carson pulled off a fine save from Arfield, diving low to block the shot before Christopher Casement cleared the rebound from danger.

There was more woe for Stark and his youngsters three minutes after the break when Little pounced on a knockdown from Shane Ferguson to drive in the third from close range.

The tempo dipped a little but on the hour mark Murphy came close again after more good work by Caddis down the right, the Motherwell striker hitting a first-time drive over the bar from eight yards out.

A series of substitutions brought more disruption but the visitors remained in control, if showing less of a threat from their first-half display, and, despite some close shaves, they held on for a deserved win.