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.
, 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.
“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. “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.
“Paddy’s suspension is a blow as well given the referee booked him 10 seconds before he blew the final whistle. It was something we didn’t need. If the situation arises I think we’ve got good enough cover in the squad and it gives someone else the opportunity.” Last month’s 4-2 defeat in Ljubljana stood out in a campaign where Northern Ireland have been on the wrong end of four 1-0 losses.
“We didn’t defend well enough we gave them a dream start with the goal we gave up early on,” he said.
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