Northern Ireland are right on track says Jonny Evans

Six points from two games and a goal to boot made it a perfect week for the Leicester City defender.

The results mean Northern Ireland top Group C ahead of the reverse fixtures with Estonia and Belarus in June, and Evans says they are determined to stay there.

“That’s what we set out to do and it puts us on track in the group,” he said.

“We now have two tough away games in June against the two teams we’ve just played but it’s a big opportunity for us to go into the games in September still top of the group.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt we need to win the first four games in the group.

“Listen, if we do draw or lose a game it won’t be the end of the world, but we’re playing Germany and Holland in the second half of the campaign.

“They’re two really tough teams and we’ve got to make sure we get the most points possible from the first four games.”

Evans knows June’s double-header on the road will bring its own challenges for boss Michael O’Neill.

“It’s a tough time because the season ends for players at different stages,” he said.

“I think some of the Estonian players might also be in season in June, so for Michael and the staff it’s a very difficult time to make sure all the lads are fit.

“Some players might be four weeks between the end of their club season and the first game against Estonia in June, but I’m sure Michael will get us together and maybe have a little training camp before we go away.”

As an experienced campaigner at international level Evans has been impressed with the next crop of players making their mark on the senior team.

“I think you get confidence from every game you play,” he said.

“After the Nations League, you might think some of their heads might have dropped because they were coming in when we didn’t get any victories in that competition.

“But they’ve managed to keep their heads down, worked hard and I think Michael always gives them the assurance and confidence they’re good enough at this level.”

One player who Evans was really impressed with was Bailey Peacock-Farrell, who produced two crucial saves to make sure Northern Ireland took all six points.

“Obviously he’s not playing at his club at the moment, but he’s come in and the last two games, I think he’s really come on massively,” said Evans.

“You can even see in his stature, he seems even bigger and I was even more pleased to see him coming for crosses and knocking us defenders out of the way.

“As a defender, we like it when goalkeepers come off their line and take the pressure off us.

“I think another plus in his game is his kicking which is also very good.”