BLACKBURN Rovers midfielder Corry Evans scored for Northern Ireland, but could not prevent defeat to Austria.

A Valentino Lazaro goal with the last kick of the game at Windsor Park meant the Irish ended their Nations League campaign with zero points.

It was a heartbreaking end after what had been a positive performance from Michael O’Neill’s side.

The hosts knew they were relegated from Group B3 before yesterday’s kick-off, but looked set for their first point of the competition when Evans hit a 57th-minute equaliser after Xaver Schlager’s goal eight minutes earlier.

It was his second goal for his country and first since 2010 - 45 games ago.

Niall McGinn came closest to scoring with a free kick for Northern Ireland in the first half. But Austria took a 49th-minute lead after Schlager ended an impressive move with his first international goal.

Evans made it 1-1 when his deflected left-foot shot deceived goalkeeper Heinz Lindner.

But Lazaro dealt the bitter blow in stoppage time to ensure Northern Ireland lost all four matches in the new Uefa competition.