Northern Ireland skipper Jonny Evans: We have the right mentality to avoid San Marino shocker
Northern Ireland skipper Jonny Evans
Northern Ireland skipper Jonny Evans insists that the players must have the right mindset and mentality to ensure there are no slip ups against San Marino at Windsor Park.
The Manchester United star appreciates only a victory in Saturday’s Euro 2024 qualifier will be acceptable adding that the youngsters in the squad must learn from the disappointments of the campaign so far and use them as motivation in the future.
While big hitters such as Steven Davis, Stuart Dallas and Craig Cathcart aren’t with the squad due to injuries and retirement, the calming presence of experienced 35-year-old Evans is crucial ahead of what is a game Northern Ireland dare not lose.
The prospects of qualifying for next year’s finals in Germany are long gone after losing five Group H games in a row but being defeated by minnows San Marino would impact on the confidence of the players far more than the previous losses.
“In a game like this you have to get your mindset and your mentality right because we will have a lot more of the ball than we are used to,” said Evans.
“You have to be spot on and ensure they can’t hit you on the break, be patient at times and be willing to take risks to create opportunities.”
In his role as captain in the absence of Davis, Evans has offered honest assessments on the team and his own performances throughout the campaign.
While he has the knowhow to put disappointing displays behind him, the former West Brom and Leicester defender is hoping younger squad members are learning to do the same and show it against San Marino and then Slovenia in Belfast on Tuesday evening.
“We want to learn from what has happened in the front end of the group,” he says.
“Hopefully the younger players
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