Sebastian Larsson is challenged by Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo

A trio of Blues players were on international duty for their respective countries over the weekend.

Sebastian Larsson completed the full 90 minutes for Sweden, as the Swedes were held to a 0-0 draw by Portugal in their 2010 World Cup qualifying fixture.

Sweden had a host of opportunities to break the deadlock most notably from Bolton Wanderers striker Johan Elmander who missed three good first-half chances.

The result gave second-placed Sweden five points from their three games in Group One, one ahead of Portugal in third spot.

Meanwhile Maik Taylor's hopes of seeing his Northern Ireland side make the 2010 finals were dealt a massive blow after they suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Slovenia in Maribor.

The Blues keeper played the full game for Nigel Worthington's side.

Maik Taylor

Northern Ireland looked to be heading for at least a point before they conceded two goals in as many minutes.

Milivoje Novakovic broke the deadlock on 84 minutes when he got on the end of a Birsa cross to tap the ball in at the far post.

Then Zlatan Ljubijankic added the second after dispossessing Jonny Evans on the edge of the box to beat Taylor in the bottom corner.

Northern Ireland have now collected just one point from their opening three Group Three fixtures.

Finally at Hampden James McFadden was part of the Scotland side which was held to a disappointing 0-0 draw by Norway. 

McFadden played for just under an hour before being substituted by Scotland boss George Burley.

Speaking after the game McFadden said: "I was very disappointed.

"I wanted to play as much as I could; I wanted to play the whole game.

James McFadden

"But the manager changed it - and in the end, it almost worked.

"I've not spoken to him. These things happen. You have to change tactics during the game, and that's what he did.

"It's just frustrating that we didn't get the three points - it's not really the fact that it could have been me scoring a goal.

"Overall, we are disappointed not to have won the game."

Scotland have collected just four points from three games, but still remain in second place in Group 9 behind favourites Holland.