Northen Ireland prospect Evans aiming to impress

Jonny Evans has a personal agenda and looks set to win his second cap for Northern Ireland on Saturday against Denmark in a Euro 2008 qualifier.

The 18-year-old defender, on a season-long loan deal at Manchester United’s feeder club Royal Antwerp, is nothing if not ambitious.

And he showed growing maturity with a towering performance on his international debut in the shock victory against Spain last month.

He said: “I always set myself targets and the idea was to get in Manchester United’s first team before the end of last season.

“It did not happen but that made me even more determined to succeed.

“I was called up for United’s squad to South Africa and played a few pre-season games. Then two months later I was playing international football against Spain - things have happened pretty quickly.

“Last year I was in United’s reserves so going to Antwerp is a natural progression as I am playing first-team football in Europe.

“You want to make that next step up. That is the way you have to look at things and I am pleased with the way things are progressing.”

It has not been all sunshine in Belgium’s second tier, however, as Evans has been sent off twice in recent weeks.

When he made a brief visit to United’s training base on Monday at Carrington, the first person he bumped into was manager Alex Ferguson.

“All I will say is that he made a swift remark,” stated Evans. “I got sent off the first time for a late tackle but I was really surprised to see the red card. That is the way it is over there.

“The second one came when we were beating local rivals Mechelen.

“We were winning and there was a bit of scuffle. I just pushed the guy to get away and he has fallen to the ground as if I had hit him.”

Evans made his bow against Spain after being called up from the Northern Ireland U21 squad following their narrow defeat by Germany in a European Championship qualifier.

It took the youngster by surprise, as he said: “I was a bit disappointed with my performance for the U21s.

“I did not feel at the races against Germany and made a mistake which led to their second goal.

“Then I got a call on the Saturday night when I was out with a few friends and linked up with the squad the next day.

“Getting involved in the game against Spain was a bit of a surprise. But I enjoying meeting the lads as well as taking part in training.

“The sessions have been a real challenge but also good fun.”

Northern Ireland's hot prospect is thrilled to be sharing a room with skipper Aaron Hughes, who is set to win his 50th cap against Denmark.

“The first time I met Aaron I was in a hotel with my family,” said Evans. “He came over and introduced himself. It shows what type of person he is – a real proper man.

“It also shows Aaron’s quality as captain of Northern Ireland.”