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.
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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," he said.
"Players like Ali McCann have done the same thing and done really well. He has seized his chance and that's what we want to see. We want to see more lads come in and force their way into contention.
"Things can change very quickly in international football, like they did with me. And it's about taking your opportunity.
"We want to see that with these young lads. When they come in we always want to encourage them, and even in training I have been very impressed with some of the young lads already."
Evans was a late call-up to Northern Ireland's squad after returning from a hamstring injury.
He is set to start against Luxembourg tonight after he was granted permission by Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers to join up with Baraclough's squad.
Evans admits he has thought about reaching 100 caps for his country, and he is excited to be back playing after spending over three months out.
He added: "You do think about it, I'm not going to lie. There's always that little bit.
"Obviously I thought I would miss these games which was gutting so the fact I'm able to come away and get one…thankfully the manager's been flexible with me coming in late and being part of it."
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