(Manchester United News)
Jonny Evans is ready for the challenge of regaining a place in the Manchester United side after returning to action in the Under-21s' 1-1 draw at Leicester City.
The Northern Ireland international was banned for six games after the away win against Newcastle United in early March but is now available for selection again. With Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones ruled out of the defeat to Chelsea, he is set to emerge as an option for Louis van Gaal ahead of Sunday's Barclays Premier League encounter with Everton.
"It felt good," Evans told MUTV at the King Power Stadium. "But it does take you a while to get the pace of the game. Sometimes the pace in the reserves is not as high as it is in the first team but it was quick. Leicester are a good side who played well and made it a good game."
Evans was one of several first-team players who turned out for the Under-21s on Monday night, to form one of the strongest United line-ups seen at that level.
"Our reserve team lads have been playing all season to win the league and then we came along and took their starting places with a couple of games left - that's the way it goes! But we couldn't let them down. It was important we didn't lose as the lads are top of the league."
The centre-back is now hoping to play his part again as the Reds look to clinch a top-four place and he is in little doubt that the players are up to the task with two home games remaining (West Brom and Arsenal in May) and three matches on the road, including this coming weekend's clash at Goodison Park.
"There is always a challenge, even when you're in the team to keep your place, and you expect that at Manchester United in the first team," he stated. "It was good for me to get 90 minutes tonight but, obviously, I've been able to train with the lads over the last couple of months so I have been keeping involved that way.
"It's nice to be a part of it - the first team has been excellent in the last couple of months. It's been a process but it's been coming for a while. We've always believed and he [the manager] has always believed in us. There are five games to go in the season and we've got to make sure we carry those standards on.
"We've been used to that over the years, having pressure, and, this time, it's to qualify for the Champions League. Obviously, winning the league has probably gone but there is still pressure at Manchester United. I think the lads have been thriving on that over the last couple of months. I think it'll be good to end the season with a big challenge for us but it's one I like to think we're up to."
