Northern Ireland players in England’s top flight have become almost an endangered species in recent years, but that could be about to change.

Several up and coming stars are making their mark with Premier League clubs, Manchester United’s Jonny Evans the obvious example.

Jonny’s younger brother Corry has also pushed himself into Sir Alex Ferguson’s plans at Old Trafford, as has defender Craig Cathcart, while at neighbouring Manchester City promising defender Ryan McGivern already has Premier League experience under his belt.

McGivern is one of three Premier League youngsters in Nigel Worthington’s squad for Saturday’s friendly against Italy, the others Shane Duffy of Everton and Shane Ferguson of relegated Newcastle.

The experienced Aaron Hughes was a Premier League regular in the season just gone, clocking up 40 appearances in a Fulham team that secured European football with a seventh place finish.

Hughes’ fellow Northern Ireland defender Chris Baird played a bit part role with the London club, managing 10 league starts.

Chris Brunt was a star in the West Brom team that finished in last place but that was no reflection on the 24-year-old who chipped in with eight goals.

Northern Ireland talisman David Healy was in his now familiar fringe role at club level with 14 league starts for Sunderland, while his international colleague George McCartney started 20 league games for the Black Cats.

The Northern Ireland contingent in the top flight next season will be boosted by the arrival of established internationals Damien Johnson and Maik Taylor with Birmingham as well as Burnley pair Martin Paterson and Michael Duff.

The influx of foreign players to British football in recent years has made it increasingly difficult for Northern Ireland players to make their mark at the top end of the game.

No longer is the top flight populated mainly by a combination of English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish players.

But with Jonny Evans leading the charge of the Northern Ireland young guns in the Premier League, the future is again looking bright for the international team.