Corry Evans and Northern Ireland narrowly missed out on a place in next summer's World Cup after a 1-0 aggregate defeat to Switzerland in the play-offs.
The Rovers midfielder conceded a controversial penalty in the first leg in Belfast, which was converted by the Swiss, giving them the upper hand.
Corry's subsequent yellow card meant he was suspended for Sunday's return match in Basel.
Despite a battling display from Michael O'Neill's side, an eventual goalless draw wasn't enough to secure qualification.
Meanwhile, Blues captain Charlie Mulgrew played 45 minutes of Scotland's 1-0 defeat to Holland on Thursday.
Both players will now return to East Lancashire ahead of Saturday's trip to Bury in League One.