Evans hails Steven Davis ahead of his 100th cap for Nothern Ireland
Wednesday 8 November 2017 15:23, UK
Jonny Evans has told Sky Sports News the Northern Irish support will have a key role to play in the crucial World Cup play-off first leg against Switzerland, live on Sky Sports.
Germany inflicted Northern Ireland's first home defeat in four years in their penultimate Group C fixture - but Evans revealed that the home crowd made a lasting impression on the world champions.
He told Sky Sports News: "We are really excited and looking forward to it. Playing on Thursday helps make the week a wee bit shorter. It's a big occasion for us and the supporters.
"Our support has been fantastic and they will come to support us again. The atmosphere will be unbelievable on the night.
"I remember in the last game at Windsor Park we were getting beat 2-0 off Germany and their striker turned around and was very complimentary about our fans.
"He could not believe the noise they were making, the fact that they were still singing even though we were getting beat. They will have a big part to play."
Michael O'Neill could call on Aaron Hughes, who has not played since the end of September because of a calf injury on Thursday but for Evans, it is the continued presence of Steven Davis - who will be winning his 100th cap - that will be pivotal to home hopes.
He said: "Steven leads by example. He's a fantastic player and very under-rated. Technically and tactically he's way ahead of everyone.
"The way he controls the midfield, he's a real asset for us and it's great to see him get his 100th cap. We are all very pleased for him.
"I think on any big occasion the key is to keep your composure and we have been able to do that over the years which has helped us achieve our successes in recent years, like in the Euro qualifier against Greece.
"We've got to make sure we have got something to play for in the second leg and of course some of the lads are on bookings so we have to be careful."
