United defender in Club v Country Dilemma
Posted Tuesday, February 16, 2010 by NOTW.co.uk
JONNY EVANS is facing a club versus country dilemma ahead of the Carling Cup Final.
Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington is compiling his squad for the March 3 friendly against Albania in Tirana and the release of players by clubs could prove quite a stumbling block.
Worthington this week will have talks with several players including Manchester United defender Evans, normally a certain Northern Ireland starter.
Worthington said: "He is involved in the Carling Cup Final with Aston Villa on the Sunday, 24 hours before our departure to Albania and then has another club fixture scheduled on the following Saturday.
"I know he is anxious to play for his country, is always filled with pride when that happens but we will have to wait and see how things develop.
"He is dedicated to the national squad and is anxious not to miss a cap."
Northern Ireland know an under-strength side cannot be sent to Tirana for defeat would dent morale and play havoc with the FIFA rankings.
Evans is competing with Wes Brown for a place alongside Rio Ferdinand in United's defence against AC Milan in the San Siro on Tuesday night.
Nemanja Vidic didn't make the trip to Italy, along with out-of-favour midfielder Anderson.
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland's stars have been promised a slice of a £5 million jackpot if they qualify for the finals of the 2012 European Championship.
IFA president Raymond Kennedy confirmed: "If we make the finals we as a national body would receive in the region of £5m.
"And we would have to be very mean not to be generous to the players who got us there.
"But I don't look upon that as a carrot to be dangled in front of the squad ahead of the qualifying action.
"Our lads don't need incentives.
"They really do believe in playing for their country and the jersey."
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