Northern Ireland’s Under-21s completed their Euro 2025 qualifying campaign with a scoreless stalemate in Luxembourg.
Tommy Wright’s side wanted a victory to sign off their Group F adventure in style, but their task was made harder by Charlie Allen’s 72nd-minute dismissal.
The visitors were unable to convert chances at the Emile Mayrisch Stadium and their hopes of finishing third in the group fizzled out.
England, who hammered Azerbaijan 7-0, finished top of the standings. Serbia edged out second-placed Ukraine 1-0 to finish third.
Northern Ireland end their campaign with 11 points from 10 matches.
Wright’s side went into their final game on the back of promising performances and results.
They drew 0-0 with England’s Under-21s in a brilliant display before narrowly losing 2-1 to Ukraine, also at the Ballymena Showgrounds.
Another slick display on Saturday saw them cruise to a 5-0 victory over Azerbaijan at the home of the Sports Direct Premiership leaders.
In September 2023, Northern Ireland lost 1-0 at home to Luxembourg, and they weren’t able to complete a revenge mission.
An early booking for defender and skipper Carl Johnston resulted in the Fleetwood Town man proceeding with caution.
Allen was also booked during the first-half, but the visitors impressed in the opening period and were unfortunate not to break the deadlock when the Linfield ace rattled the woodwork.
Eldin Latik foiled attempts from Allen and Dale Taylor as Wright’s men created the better openings.
Allen looked the most likely player to break the deadlock, but Latik was keeping his side in the contest.
Luxembourg struggled to test visiting keeper Stephen McMullan.
Aaron Donnelly became the third Northern Ireland player to be cautioned and, on 72 minutes, dangerman Allen was sent off following a second booking.
There was still time for substitute Makenzie Kirk to test Latik, but neither side could find a cutting edge.
Wright will be disappointed not to finish the campaign with a victory, but his side can reflect on some impressive displays.
Several players in Michael O’Neill’s senior panel, including brothers Shea and Pierce Charles, could have featured for the Under-21s, but they were busy making special memories at Windsor Park against Bulgaria.
Among the highlights of the campaign was holding an impressive England outfit to a scoreless draw.
And perhaps their 5-0 victory over Azerbaijan inspired the senior side to click into gear.
At youth and senior level, Northern Ireland’s future is looking a lot healthier.
Luxembourg U21: Latik, Torres, Agostinelli, Fernandes, Sinner, Lohei (Embalo 85), Irigoyen, Sofiane Ikene (Flick 92), Englaro, Jonathans (Dardari 85), Videira (Elshan 69).
Subs not used: Heck, Ahmetxhekaj, Almada Correia, Amou, Baiverlin.
Northern Ireland U21: McMullan, Donnelly, Forbes, Fogarty, McConville, Kelly (Robinson 84), Devenny (Sloan 85), Johnston, McKiernan (Devlin 71), Taylor (Kirk 84), Allen.
Subs not used: Clarke, Stewart, McDonnell, Lusty, Kearney.
Referee: Visar Kastrati (Kosovo)