A battling performance by Northern Ireland Under-21s ended in defeat in a friendly against Portugal.

After holding the hosts in the first half they quickly found themselves two goals down.

However, Everton defender Shane Duffy gave the province hope when he coolly slotted home a penalty in the 74th minute.

The spot-kick was awarded after promising striker James Lawrie was sent tumbling to the floor.

Northern Ireland grew in confidence but were then reduced to ten men when Blackburn's Johnny Flynn was sent off.

It was a disappointing end to the match with a UEFA Championship qualifier against the Czech Republic to come next month.

But assistant manager Alfie Wylie was pleased with the way the team had performed in the conditions.

He said: "It was a warm night, which did not help us and we had to cope with a partisan crowd.

"But I thought we knuckled down to the task in hand and played some nice football against a strong Portuguese side.

"It was a good work-out and I am sure the experience will help us when we come to play the Czechs."