Jonny Evans knows he faces a massive test at Manchester United.
Chris Smalling has now leaped his team-mate in the central defensive pecking order after doing enough during his first few months at Old Trafford to earn a call into Fabio Capello's squad for England's defeat by France last week.
Evans is intelligent enough to admit the pressure is on.
"This is probably the biggest challenge I have had," he said. "It is the first time I have been taken out of the team because of performances.
"I was playing quite a bit at the start of the season but my performances were probably not up to scratch and I have been out of the team for a while.
"But I am not going to mope about it. This is a good opportunity for me.
"I played for Northern Ireland last week and got 90 minutes under my belt. When I get onto the pitch I must make sure I do the best I can."
