AN experimental Scotland side enjoyed a narrow win over a stodgy Northern Ireland side at Hampden this evening with a late Christophe Berra header giving Gordon Strachan's team the victory.

It looked like a game that was destined to end goal-less with few genuine chances created at either side of the pitch before Berra converted Matt Ritchie's corner four minutes from time.

Ritchie, making his international debut for Scotland, had a relatively quiet evening but will feel that his part in the only goal of the game will do his chances of maintaining his place in the squad no harm at all.

Strachan took the chance to prepare for Sunday's vital Euro 2016 qualifier against Gibraltar by mixing things up a bit in terms of his team selection.

Celtic keeper Craig Gordon made his first start in nearly five years when he took his place between the sticks and had little of note to do in the first half, being replaced by Allan McGregor at half-time.

What will be particularly pleasing for Strachan was the contribution of midfielder Darren Fletcher.

The Scotland captain claimed the official man of the match performance and put in the kind of robust display that suggests he is putting the hell of ulcerative colitis behind him.

A fully-fit Fletcher with the experience and savvy that he lends to the Scotland midfield is something that will be eagerly welcomed by Strachan.

Inevitably there were changes made in the second period from both teams as the game played out but both sides seemed to cancel one another out for long spells.

Shaun Maloney had had a decent chance for Scotland that he had blazed wickedly over in the opening half while a Russell Martin header had been the highlight before Berra broke the deadlock.

All eyes on Sunday's evening clash at Hampden now.