Jonny Evans may be set to win his 101st cap for Northern Ireland but he has no plans to call time on his international career just yet.
The 35-year-old will lead his country out at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen this evening against Denmark.
Speaking ahead of the crucial Group H Euro 2024 qualifier Evans said his plan is to keep playing for as long as he remains a professional footballer.
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“I’ve never felt like I would separate the two (club and country),” he said.
“Probably with the injuries, there maybe was a time where I thought I was just coming to that age where I feel like my body can’t handle it any more.
“But I played the three games at the end of the season and I felt good in them. I want to keep playing, and that’ll be the same at club level and international football.”
In 2006 Evans won his second cap in a 0-0 draw with the Danes in Copenhagen.
A similar result this evening would give Northern Ireland fresh belief in the qualifying campaign, which Evans insists has been added to since Michael O'Neill's return.
"We had a big long spell together in his first time in charge and I’ve always felt like we had a great relationship," he said.
“When I found out there was a chance he was getting the job we were all delighted and there was the odd text to make sure he took up that opportunity. It’s been great working with him again.
“Obviously we managed to do alright the last time and with Michael’s planning and the way he approaches things, and his relationship with the players which he has always valued goes a long way.”
Evans' domestic campaign was ravaged by injury, and despite featuring in Leicester City's final three games he could not prevent their relegation from the Premier League on the final day of the season.
The defender is currently out-of-contract with the Foxes, however the club is believed to be keen to retain his services.
After missing the first two qualifying games against San Marino and Finland Evans is hoping his fitness levels will be good enough to see him through this double-header.
“It’s hard to know where I’m at,” he said. “But I think those three games I was involved in were good for me, I was just glad to get through them.”
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