Mannus prepared to take his chance at Euros

“I think everybody is just ready now for Sunday and just can’t wait until the game gets here. We have been together now for a few weeks and we are ready to go,” said Mannus.

When Mannus was a part-time player at Linfield, being in a Northern Ireland squad at a major championship finals would have been nothing more than a dream.

He said: “I played part-time football with Linfield until the age of 27.

“Unless you go across the water at 16 or 17, like the majority of the lads in our squad, you just don’t think you are ever going to get the chance to play for your country.

“So obviously to be involved for so long is something I never expected. I certainly don’t take it for granted and it’s an honour for me to be involved.”

Meanwhile, Mannus has welcomed the addition of another Northern Ireland international, Paul Paton, to the Saints squad.

He told the Northern Irish FA website: “I have only been in a few squads with Paul with Northern Ireland. He’s a good player, a strong, tough tackling midfielder, and he’s good on the ball. He seems like a good guy and I think he will fit in well at St Johnstone.”