THERE was disappointment for Saints star Steven Davis as his Northern Ireland side fell to a late 1-0 friendly defeat in Scotland tonight.

Davis was expected to captain the side from the start, but had to settle for taking to the field as a 69th-minute substitute as manager Michael O’Neill made use of as much of his squad as possible.

The match seemed to be heading for a goal-less finish, until Scottish defender Christophe Berra headed home from close range with five minutes to go.

Davis is likely to get more game time on Sunday, when Northern Ireland host Finland in their Group F European Championship qualifying tie.

Meanwhile, three young Saints were also on the bench for the England under-20s clash against Mexico at Barnet’s The Hive ground.

Harrison Reed played the final 20 minutes of the match, but Jack Stephens and Jordan Turnbull – who are both on loan to Swindon Town – were not called into action.

England trailed 1-0 to a Jose Ramirez strike until Reed’s pass led to an England penalty – Chuba Akpom levelled from the spot.

The hosts went on to win the subsequent penalty shootout 4-2.

l Morgan Schneiderlin and Josh Sims will today become the latest Saints to take part in international action this week.

Midfielder Schneiderlin is with Euro 2016 hosts France for their friendly against Brazil, at the Stade de France (8pm).

Teenage winger Sims is part of the England Under-18 squad taking part in a behind-closed-doors friendly at home to Switzerland (3pm).