I’LL GO NORTH OF A CENTURY
JONNY Evans is adamant he can reach another major tournament with Northern Ireland as he prepares to win his 100th cap tonight against Greece.
Evans regards the North’s victory over Ukraine at Euro 2016 — their first win at a tournament since 1982 — as the best moment from his 99 caps.
And he believes he savour another night like that as Ian Baraclough’s side look forward to the Euro 2024 qualifiers in March because of their new generation of players.
“I think so,” he said. “It’s always great to see the young lads coming through and some of them have shown real promise.
“I thought Conor Bradley was outstanding the other night, Shea Charles came onto the scene in the summer and that’s what we want to see, young lads making an impression and hopefully they will be able to take the country forward.”
Famous
Evans (34) made his debut in the North’s famous win over Spain 16 years ago and says he wants to carry on playing for his family.
He says seeing his two-year-old son Eli, singing on his way to Windsor Park in his North kit for Saturday’s win over Kosovo, motivates him to keep making them proud.
“I saw a little video of my boy — he’s going to be three in November — and he’s got his Northern Ireland kit on and he’s singing all the way to the stadium,” said the Leicester centre-half.
“My wife said ‘there’s no way you can retire, you’ve got to keep playing’. Things like that make you just want to enjoy it.
“You’re doing it for your family.”
Baraclough paid tribute to Evans and says he is invaluable as he tries to take the North forward.
Manage
“It’s just a privilege to manage both him and Steven Davis, they’re an inspiration,” said the former Sligo Rovers boss.
“It’s invaluable to have someone like Jonny still playing at the highest level and we lean on him as much as possible.”
The Irish FA have cleared Baraclough to bring Conor
McMenamin to Athens after he was withdrawn on Saturday because an old video of him singing in support of the IRA came to light.
Baraclough is glad to have McMenamin back as they bid to match Cyprus’ result tonight and avoid relegation of the Nations League’s fourth tier.
“It’s in our hands and if we come away with a win, then that’s job done,” he said.
McMenamin has been cleared to play this evening as he will face no further action regarding an historic video in which he appeared to sing a proIRA slogan.