GOOD EVANS
JONNY EVANS believes it is the responsibility of Northern Ireland’s senior players to show their young team-mates how to deal with disappointment after the midweek home defeat to Greece.
Ian Baraclough’s side have travelled to Cyprus still seeking their first Nations League win but the frustration after the 1-0 loss at Windsor Park remains.
“We have a lot of young players – I thought all the young players did very well the other night,” said Leicester centre-back Evans, 34.
“When the young players come into the squad, after a defeat it’s our job to put our arm around them and show them that we’re relaxed about it.”
Their latest defeat meant Northern Ireland are still without a win in the history of this competition, having drawn two and lost nine.
But Baraclough, who gave Manchester City midfielder Shea Charles a debut on Thursday, said there was no choice but to continue to use it to blood new players.
“I think that’s for the media side of things,” he said of Northern Ireland’s record.
“I understand that. But this tournament has always been used a competition where we can blood new players, look at new systems and try things out.
“Of course we want to win games but, for instance, this tournament we’ve come in probably 11 or 12 players short of what we could have done.
“If we could have put that team together we’d be a strong outfit.
“We’ve brought one or two along to get an opportunity to see if they can handle certain situations.
“This competition replaces the friendlies where you’re normally able to do that.”