Manchester United’s rising star Jonny Evans is anxiously waiting to find out whether his stunning performance against Scotland has been enough to secure his place at the heart of Northern Ireland’s defence alongside Stephen Craigan for Saturday’s opening World Cup qualifier against Slovakia.

Evans was in exceptional form against the Scots in the scoreless draw at Hampden Park last month, winning the man of the match award and he staked a huge claim to continue in the centre- half role against Slovaks in balmy Bratislava.

Captain Aaron Hughes though has returned from injury and will return to the line-up in the 4-5-1 formation, but as yet it hasn’t been announced in what position.

Boss Nigel Worthington it seems has a pleasant selection headache at the back.

One position it appears we can rule Evans out of playing is the holding role just in front of the back four that was occupied by Chris Baird against the Scots.

Twenty-year-old Evans conceded yesterday that the boss hadn’t spoken to him about playing in that position nor has he performed there in training.

“Playing in that role is the first I’ve heard about it. I’m sure when the team’s named, no matter where anyone’s playing, we’ll still give it a go,” says Evans.

Evans will therefore remain at centre-half with Aaron Hughes moving to right back which means the unfortunate Gareth McAuley must be content with a place on the bench – despite his outstanding performances.

It’s unlikely Evans will be asked to play right-back, as we know Hughes has played there before for club and country.

Evans however just wants to be performing for Northern Ireland from the first game of a campaign. Two years ago as a raw 18-year-old he was brought in for the second game against Spain – a wonderful night to make your senior international debut.

“Everyone’s really excited about getting our campaign underway,” admits Evans.

“I’ve never been involved from the start. I came in after one game, which was pretty much the start, but it’s the first time I’ve approached it from the beginning. I want to be involved in as many games as I can.

“I’m not taking my place in the team for granted. The only ones who have nailed down a regular position are Keith Gillespie and David Healy, and Maik Taylor, obviously. All the lads know that no matter where they’re playing they’ll give 100 per cent.

“We’ve got a lot of defenders who can play right across the back four and midfielders who swap and change and Chris Baird who can play in defence and midfield. That can only be good for us. Whatever Nigel thinks is the best team, it’s his decision, he’s the manager.”

Evans, like the rest of his international team-mates, doesn’t have a clue about the team he will be playing against on Saturday evening in the Slovakian capital.

He is just content in the fact that if Northern Ireland play to their potential then victory or at least a draw will be secured.

“I don’t really know too much about Slovakia. They’ve got the guy from Liverpool, Skrtel, he’s a good defender. From what I hear they’re a very good side.

“A win is vital – especially as we haven’t won our opening game of a campaign for ages. That’s been pointed out, all the players know that. It’s something we’re going to try to change.

“We want to get going from our first game in this campaign, get a good result to take back to Belfast because we’ve got a tough game next week against the Czechs.

“There’s nothing better than getting off to a good start. It’s common sense that if you get off to a good start, you stand a good chance of being in the mix near the end of the qualifiers.”