CLARETS striker Martin Paterson cut a frustrated figure in Maribor on Saturday as he failed to make an appearance in Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualifying defeat against Slovenia.

The 21-year-old hitman was looking to win his sixth cap for his country, but failed to land a run-out from Irish boss Nigel Winterburn, despite former Claret Kyle Lafferty and David Healy hitting a blank.

Paterson will look for better joy on Wednesday when Northern Ireland host San Marino at Windsor Park.

It was a similar situation for Burnley defender Graham Alexander, who was left on the bench for Scotland’s 0-0 draw with Norway. l See pages 17 and 21 for reports.