Manchester United hero Norman Whiteside is confident defender Jonny Evans will soon be captain of Northern Ireland.

The 25-year-old has long been a mainstay in defence for his country.

"Jonny has done brilliantly," Whiteside told ManUtd.com. "I think it's his third Premier League title and he's got stronger and stronger.

"Even going back to him getting sent to Royal Antwerp and Sunderland, that gives players a lot of confidence when they are playing regular football. It's what they are sent out for - to come back a better player - and so did Danny Welbeck. It shows you the loan system works.

"I'm sure he will be captain of Northern Ireland before too long," Whiteside asserted. "Because he'd be one of the best players, I would have thought he would be captain already. I've not yet seen him wear the armband though."