Leicester City defender Jonny Evans has spoken of his relationship with former Manchester United teammate Roy Keane.

Evans revealed he often still thinks of "big inspiration" Keane when he is on the pitch ahead of Northern Ireland's meeting with the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.

Asked what impact Keane had on his career, Evans said: "Massive. He was the player I looked up to most when I was growing up as a United fan. He was the United captain and then I went on to play for him at Sunderland in two loan spells.

"He was a big inspiration for me and I still think of him a lot when I am on the pitch. I think, 'Well, if Roy Keane was in this situation and things were tough, then he'd roll his sleeves up and continue fighting'.

"Sometimes maybe I think, 'Is he still watching me?'. He's still got that hold on me!"