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Evans: G would be happy!

JONNY Evans has said Gareth McAuley ‘would be happy’ after Northern Ireland all but secured their playoff spot in FIFA World qualifying with a 2-0 win over Czech Republic.

McAuley is usually a regular for Michael O’Neill’s side but has missed the last two international fixtures through injury.

And after Evans and fellow Baggie Chris Brunt notched in the Green and White Army’s crucial victory at Windsor Park on Monday, the Albion skipper said ‘G’ would be happy with their contribution.

“Usually Gareth’s our goal-getter.

“G's been missing but he’s hardly missed a game for us over the last four years - I think he’s got some kind of record.

“I’m sure he’ll be happy with us tonight.”

Chris Brunt curled in a trademark free kick to make it 2-0 but it was Evans who gave Northern Ireland the lead with his first international goal for almost eight years.

“It’s been a while!” laughed Jonny.

“Every time I play I get texts saying ‘score a wee goal tonight, Jonny’. I always try my best but it never seems to happen.

“It’s nice to be able to step up.”

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