Jonny Evans recalls early influence of Northern Ireland legends on his career

Jonny Evans hopes he can be a positive role model for Northern Ireland's emerging young stars - just like David Healy and Aaron Hughes were with him 16 years ago.

Evans was just 18 when he made his senior international debut in a memorable 3-2 win over Spain at Windsor Park.

He hadn't even played for Manchester United when Lawrie Sanchez drafted him in for the crunch Euro qualifier in September 2006.

The now 34-year-old can recall those early days, and room-sharing with two of the country's most legendary players.

And Evans believes the influence of Healy and Hughes helped mould his early career in international football.

"When I first came into the squad we were sharing rooms back then," Evans said.

"I was straight in with David Healy, and my second trip was with Aaron Hughes, away in Denmark.

"They are two absolute legends, and I went on to play with them a lot of times in the future.

"It was a really exciting time and I learned a lot from them. I looked up to them and I still do now, and I respect them as people. They were fantastic help settling me in.

"I remember after either my first or second training session, David Healy came up to me and said 'you'll be starting the next game'. He made me feel welcome, and hopefully I can have that same impact with some of the young lads coming in now."

Evans was one of four changes Sanchez made for the Spain game following a dismal home defeat to Iceland.

It would signal the start of a stellar Northern Ireland career that is set to reach 94 caps tonight in Luxembourg.

And Evans believes a number of Ian Baraclough's current young guns are ready to make their mark on the international stage.

"When I look back at that time, I don't think I went back down to the Under 21s again,"