UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifier
Scotland 3-1 Northern Ireland
Tuesday, 29th March 2016, kick-off 4pm
Paisley 2021 Stadium, Paisley

McCartan 13; McBurnie 58, Cummings 64, 78

Scotland gave their UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification hopes a shot in the arm this afternoon after coming from behind to defeat Northern Ireland 3-1 in Paisley.

Sean McCartan's handed the visitors the lead after 13 minutes when his free-kick skipped past Jack Hamilton in the Scotland goal.

Hibernian striker Jason Cummings missed a penalty shortly before the interval as a frustrated Scotland tried to get back into the match.

Ricky Sbragia introduced Oliver McBurnie early in the second half and the change seemed to spring Scotland into life.

The Swansea City striker, on loan at Bristol Rovers, swept home the equaliser on 58 minutes after latching on to Ryan Christie's clipped pass.

Christie then fed in Cummings on 64 minutes for his first of the game to put Scotland in the driving seat.

Cummings grabbed his second, and Scotland's third, with 12 minutes remaining when he swept home a Stephen Kingsley cross from close range.

The win moves Scotland to within a point of third-placed Macedonia whom they face next in September.

They lie four points behind Iceland in second and six points behind group leaders France although have played one match less.

Scotland U21: Hamilton, Love, McGhee (Cpt), Souttar, Kingsley, Nicholson (McBurnie 53), Storie, Gauld, McKay (Polworth 89), Christie, Cummings (Henderson 82).

Subs not used: Henly, Hyam, Findlay, Smith.

Attendance: 1065