McQuoid grabs Northern Ireland brace

Jamie Murphy gave the hosts a third-minute lead at New Douglas Park but Bournemouth striker McQuoid raced on to two long balls before finishing with aplomb.

Scotland midfielder Scott Arfield had a 43rd-minute penalty saved by Trevor Carson and Andrew Little killed off the contest three minutes after the break.

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 Billy 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.