Manchester United's Jonny Evans thought end was nigh for his Northern Ireland career last year

Jonny Evans is back at Manchester United and starting games under Erik ten Hag, but the Northern Ireland defender thought his career might have been coming to an end last season.

Evans, 35, made a surprise return to his boyhood club in the summer after his contract with relegated Leicester ended, initially on a short-term deal that allowed him to play during their pre-season campaign before he signed a one-year contract.

It came after an injury-ravaged campaign with the Foxes in which Evans was limited to just 14 club appearances, struggling to get over a persistent calf problem that left him wondering if his time was up.

Instead, he has started two of United's last three Premier League matches, helping earn wins in both.

"I went through a stage last year where I started thinking maybe it is coming to an end," Evans said as he prepared to captain Northern Ireland in Tuesday's Euro 2024 qualifier against Slovenia.

"There's no doubt I did have those thoughts. At the time I couldn't get over injuries and every time I came back I was breaking down.

"I had lots of people telling me there's no way you're close to finishing, but you have to prove that to yourself and I feel like I've been able to do that.

"Every time you complete a match you think, 'There's another one, I can do that', and sometimes you just have to confirm that to yourself. I've been pleased I've been able to go through that process and I feel in a good place."

Northern Ireland will need Evans on Tuesday as they prepare to face Slovenia's potent attack with an injury concern hanging over Daniel Ballard.

The Sunderland defender started Saturday's 3-0 win over San Marino alongside Evans but sat out training on Monday due to tightness in his thigh, handing Michael O'Neill