Manchester United defender Jonny Evans is struggling with injury while on Northern Ireland duty.

Evans underwent ankle surgery in the summer, forcing a lengthy rehabilitation and a belated start to the domestic season with Manchester United.

He has yet to feature for the first team this term but was thrust straight into Michael O'Neill's starting XI for the 2-0 defeat in Russia.

The 25-year-old limped off at half-time but, despite admitting he had been in discomfort from almost the start of the game, he went on to play the full 90 minutes.

"I've only played one reserve game this season after having the surgery in the summer so to be honest, it was just good to get back on the pitch," said Evans.

"But I felt my ankle after about five minutes. It was the same one I had surgery on in the summer but I got a heavier strap put on it and I was able to carry on for the second half.

"I was disappointed I felt pain so quickly in the game but if I'm being honest, I always expected I would feel a little pain - just not that early.

"After a couple of painkillers it did feel a bit better and if anything I felt stronger as the game went on, but like I say, I had a heavier strapping on then."