Evans targets crucial clash

Jonny Evans admits Thursday’s Euro 2016 clash with Ukraine will be “make or break” for his Northern Ireland side.

The Green and White Army lost their opening game on Sunday 1-0 to Poland and after earning praise for the spirit they showed in qualifying, were criticised for their inability to trouble the Poles.

With Germany to come in their final Group C outing, beating Ukraine appears as if it could be their only way of making it through to the last 16.

Boss Michael O’Neill targeted his side’s opening two fixtures before the start of the tournament but having lost the first of those games, the pressure is now on to deliver in Lyon.

Ukraine are in a similar situation themselves having been defeated by Germany and Evans knows they will also be going all out for the victory.

The West Brom defender says his side were disappointed not to have gained a point on Sunday and admits with the world champions to come in their final fixture, defeat is not an option against Mykhaylo Fomenko’s men.

“It would have been nice to take something from the (Poland) game but we know we can’t lose (against Ukraine),” Evans said. “Especially with going to Paris against Germany in the last game, they are going to dominate the game better than anyone. “So it might be make or break for us against Ukraine on Thursday night and hopefully it makes for a good game.”

Northern Ireland are currently the 6.50 outsiders to win on Thursday, with the draw on offer at 3.80 and the Ukrainians priced as the 1.57 favourites.