Northern Ireland boss Worthington upbeat despite defeat

Gareth McAuley rises above Scotland's Kenny Miller to head clear

Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington believes positives can be taken from the 3-0 defeat by Scotland in Dublin.

"There were 10 players missing and that lets you see other players, and I thought the younger lads did very well," said Worthington.

"We're disappointed with the defeat and the display but you learn, you never stop. It is a worthwhile exercise.

"There were some situations where players maybe didn't want to get hurt, from the club point of view."

Worthington's side, hampered by withdrawals and unavailability of players, were overpowered by Scotland in the Carling Nations Cup opener at the Aviva Stadium.

His focus is now on next month's Euro 2012 qualifier against Serbia.

He added: "Credit to Scotland - they did what we normally do and we'll be looking to do that in Serbia.

He has tried to contact me a few times since but I have not accepted the calls because he doesn't want to play for his country. Nigel Worthington

"They got tackles in, closed down quickly and broke quickly."

Meanwhile, Worthington has revealed that George McCartney sent a text message to one of his coaching staff to inform them of his decision to retire from international football.

Worthington, who coaxed McCartney out of international retirement in 2007, has been irritated by the timing and manner of the development but quickly wants to move on.

"George McCartney sent a text message to one of my coaching staff to say he no longer wished to play international football.

"At some stage someone must have had a word with him to say it might be a good idea to speak to me, so I got a call from him on Monday morning.

"That was the end of it. He has tried to contact me a few times since but I have not accepted the calls because he doesn't want to play for his country.

"That is his decision and as far as I am concerned the matter is closed."