CORRY Evans has bestowed some brotherly love on older sibling Jonny following the Manchester United defender’s international heroics on Tuesday night.
The elder Evans was in stellar form as he helped shut out Portugal for almost all of Northern Ireland’s crunch World Cup qualifier in Oporto.
Michael O’Neill’s men were denied what would have been an unthinkable victory with Helder Postiga’s 80th minute scrambled goal.
It followed a superb first half opener from Niall McGinn.
“Jonny was really good, but he’s a great player,” Corry said.
“I think he has grown over the last couple of years. He has established himself in the first team at Manchester United and that can only bode well for the future of Northern Ireland.
“We’ll need players like him if we’re going to go away from home and get results.”
Evans believes Tuesday’s display in Oporto should stand Northern Ireland in good stead for the remainder of their Group F campaign.
“Nobody really gave us a chance against Portugal, so the draw felt like a win,” he added.
“The lads showed great character, grit, and determination to keep the team’s shape and stick to the game-plan. We’re all delighted to come away with a point.
“It’s going to be difficult for the remainder of the campaign. Russia have got maximum points and they’re a very efficient team. We were obviously disappointed with the last home game against Luxembourg where we should have really wrapped up the three points. That would have left us on four points and we’d be higher up the group. But we just have to look forward and keep going.”
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