Davis looks on the bright side

Midfielder Steve Davis believes Northern Ireland can take some consolation from their defeat to Albania.

A makeshift side lost 1-0 in a friendly last night following a superb free-kick from Ervin Skela in the 25th minute.

Nigel Worthington’s side went close to equalising, with Stephen Craigan twice seeing efforts coming back off the woodwork.

It was the introduction of Manchester United midfielder Corry Evans that provided the spark in the second half. Evans arrived on the day of the match after captaining the Under-21 side the previous evening when they defeated San Marino 3-0.

Davis said: “If there were any positives to take from that game then it was the performances of our young players.

“Andrew Little and Ryan McGivern were good and I thought Corry Evans did really well when he came on.”

Manager Worthington said of Evans: “I have a lot of time for Corry. I have worked with him the last two-and-a-half years. I have watched him closely and that was a typical Corry Evans performance. I must admit it was refreshing to have him here and see what he has achieved.”