Scotland(U21) vs Northern Ireland(U21) - Scotland Under-21s can learn from France loss

Scotland Under-21s midfielder Sam Nicholson believes their defeat in France can prove a positive learning experience.

And the Hearts player wants to show they picked up enough knowledge from their earlier game against Northern Ireland to move on from the French defeat.

The young Scots were beaten 2-0 by a stronger France team in Angers on Thursday to leave them with an uphill struggle to qualify for the European Under-21 Championship. Their only win in five games came in Northern Ireland in their opening encounter.

Nicholson told the Scottish Football Association website: "Thursday was very tough. They had players from some of the best teams in Europe, and it was always going to be a big step up for us.

"Adrien Rabiot scored at Stamford Bridge for PSG in the Champions League a few weeks ago, for example, so that was the sort of level we were up against.

"Despite that, I thought we played really well. We've got (goalkeeper) Jack (Hamilton) to thank for keeping it 0-0 for so long. He was outstanding and we worked well as a team.

"Overall, it was a good experience and a definite learning curve for the boys."

Ricky Sbragia's side have the opportunity to bounce back when they face Northern Ireland at the Paisley 2021 Stadium on Tuesday.

Nicholson said: "Northern Ireland will also be a difficult match, although in a different way.

"They are difficult to break down and we'll need a similar performance and work ethic from when we won against them last time if we're to get the win on Tuesday.

"We know how important it is that we get the three points if we are to qualify out of the group."