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David Anderson

Jonny Evans fired up by family pride as he outlines Northern Ireland future

Jonny Evans is adamant he can reach another major tournament with Northern Ireland as he prepares to earn his 100th cap tonight.

Evans regards the victory over Ukraine at Euro 2016 - Northern Ireland's first win at a major tournament since 1982 – as the best moment from his 99 caps.

And he believes he can savour another night like that because of their new generation of players.

Read more: Poyet heaps praise on NI legends ahead of Nations League clash

“It’s always great to see the young lads coming through and some have shown real promise,” he said.

“Conor Bradley was outstanding the other night, Shea Charles came onto the scene in the summer and that’s what we want to see, young lads making an impression.

“Hopefully they will be able to take the country forward.”

Evans, who made his debut in Northern Ireland’s famous win over Spain 16 years ago, says he wants to carry on playing for his family.

The centre-half, 34, says seeing his two-year-old son singing on his way to Windsor Park in a Northern Ireland kit for Saturday’s win over Kosovo motivates him to keep making them proud.

“I saw a little video of my boy – he’s going to be three in November – and he’s got his Northern Ireland kit on and he’s singing all the way to the stadium,” said the Leicester man.

“My wife said, ‘There’s no way you can retire, you’ve got to keep playing’.

“Things like that make you just want to enjoy it.

“You’re doing it for your family.”

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