Jonny Evans ‘buzzing’ with unexpected return to Northern Ireland squad

Jonny Evans is determined to make the most of his unexpected return to the Northern Ireland squad for Friday’s friendly against Luxembourg.

The 34-year-old defender is ahead of schedule in his return from a hamstring injury and is due to start Friday’s match after coming off the bench for Leicester last weekend in his first appearance since December.

After he came through the Foxes’ 2-1 win over Brentford unscathed, Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers called Ian Baraclough to make Evans available for selection, with the Luxembourg match seen as an ideal opportunity to build-up his match fitness.

The hamstring injury was the latest setback for a player who has been dealing with a long-term foot problem for much of the last 12 months, and Evans admitted the disruption had taught him to savour the opportunities he does get.

“A couple of weeks ago, we were getting close to the (Northern Ireland) squad being named and when it came up I was in the gym,” he said. “I saw it going along the yellow bar (on the television) and I was looking for my name just in hope.

“It wasn’t there – I saw Evans but obviously it was my brother (Corry) and I was gutted I wasn’t going to be there.

“Then a week later things change so quickly. It’s safe to say on the Friday and Saturday nights I was buzzing, I couldn’t wait for the Brentford game. I’d missed that. Sometimes you get those things that get you excited. It’s good to have that feeling back and you cherish it a bit more…

“I’m pleased with how everything has gone in the rehab and the last two training sessions with the Northern Ireland boys has been great for me and exactly what I needed.”

Evans’ return is a boon to Baraclough both on and off the pitch, with his experience vital in helping