Ian Baraclough says Jonny Evans’ desire to make a quickfire return to Northern Ireland duty should put to bed suggestions that senior players are clamouring to retire from international football.
Evans was a surprise and unexpected addition to the squad today after returning from injury to play almost half an hour as a substitute for Leicester City against Brentford on Sunday.
It was the 34-year-old’s first club action since December following a hamstring problem that required surgery and saw him sit out 15 of the Foxes' games in all competitions.
Evans is only available for Friday’s away friendly in Luxembourg and won’t feature in next Tuesday’s home friendly with Hungary at Windsor Park.
But his return is a welcome boost as Northern Ireland bid to lay down a marker ahead of the Nations League kicking off in June.
“Jonny came through 25 minutes for Leicester yesterday and he will be joining up with us,” said Baraclough.
“Brendan (Rodgers) had made me aware that he was back in training probably earlier than expected and would we like to use him in the camp?
“Now, it only means for the Luxembourg game, but Jonny is a leader for us and to have him for the first part of this camp is great.”
Evans, who sat out seven Northern Ireland games last year because of a foot injury, won his last cap in November’s 0-0 draw with Italy in Belfast.
On the player's desire to return to the international fold after just 26 minutes of club action, Baraclough said: “I think it just shows you.
"People are asking about these players and if they’re ready to wrap up playing international football.
“Jonny has gone through a lot the last year injury wise and he’s still desperate to play for his country.
“He loves playing for the country, he is enjoying what’s going on and when he was part of it last November, you could see it gave us something extra the way he played against Italy.”
Meanwhile, Middlesbrough defender Paddy McNair has also joined up with the squad despite sustaining a foot injury in Saturday’s 2-0 FA Cup defeat to Chelsea.
Boro boss Chris Wilder suggested at the weekend that McNair might be sidelined for “seven to 10 days”, but Baraclough said: “We’ll make a call on Paddy later in the week.
“There’s bruising there, but he’s keen to go as usual and we’re happy with how he is. His movement is OK.”
Northern Ireland train on Tuesday before travelling to Luxembourg on Wednesday.
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