Michael O’Neill has today confirmed his squad for Northern Ireland’s friendlies later this month and there was one notable absentee from the list.
Manchester United’s Jonny Evans has been omitted from the national team ahead of their fixtures against Romania and Scotland on March 22 and March 26 respectively, with Belfast Telegraph claiming that the experienced centre-half ‘picked up a knock’ during last Saturday’s win over Everton.
The 36-year-old started alongside Raphael Varane in Harry Maguire’s absence and featured for 89 minutes before being withdrawn for youngster Willy Kambwala.
He has endured a handful of injury complaints since his unexpected return to Old Trafford last summer but has still played a vital role in deputising for several sidelined Reds across the campaign thus far.
Fortunately, Maguire is expected to be fit in time to face Liverpool this Sunday, which is United’s last fixture before the international break. Lisandro Martinez has been tipped to make his long-awaited comeback against Brentford when club action resumes on March 30.
