Corry Evans calls for heroes to face Capello’s Russia

Corry Evans believes Northern Ireland must produce a 
“heroic” performance if they are to take anything from the opening match of their World Cup Group F campaign in Russia.

Friday’s trip to the Lokomotiv Stadium represents the 
beginning of the 2014 qualifiers as well as the first competitive match of manager Michael O’Neill’s tenure but Russia, under the stewardship of former England boss Fabio Capello, are heavy favourites.

Hull midfielder Evans said: “We’ll go into the game as 
massive underdogs and that is fine by us.

“We know it will take a heroic performance and that the 
Russians are going to have a lot of possession, move the ball quickly and have a huge home crowd behind them.

“But it’s up to us to break down their play and take our chances when they arrive.

“It’s very important we get off the mark and I see no reason why we can’t come away with something from Moscow.

“There is a greater expectation on the Russians at home; they need to deal with that and we need to add to their pressure then take advantage.”