Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill has lavished praise on central defender Jonny Evans.

O'Neill believes that because Evans is from a "smaller" footballing country, he is not rated as one of the best in his position.

But O'Neill feels that Evans is a top quality center back who shines at both club level and for his national team.

"It's nice, but it's not something I need to be told", said O'Neill to reporters when asked about praise for Evans from Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness.

"Jonny Evans - from day one of working with him, and I've said this when he was back at Manchester United - is a top-four player. He could work with the top four sides in the Premier League.

"My opinion hasn't changed. I think sometimes players from Northern Ireland, like Jonny, are undervalued and go under the radar a little bit.

"I think when you see him play, a lot of clubs will look back and think, 'he was available for not a lot of money', in terms of Premier League money, and how much clubs are paying for players.

"Leicester were quick, did their business well, and it's been a fantastic piece of business for them."