Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed defender Jonny Evans as the future of Manchester United.
Ferguson is hugely impressed with the youngster, who is in the Northern Ireland squad for tomorrow's clash with Slovenia, and feels he could be a natural successor to Rio Ferdinand.
The Old Trafford boss was particularly pleased with how well he coped with being pitched in against Villarreal and Chelsea.
"Jonny Evans will be a centre-half in Manchester United's future, no question about that," said Fergie. "He's 20 years old, Rio's 30 now, Vidic is 27, so in a few years' time Evans' career here is absolutely guaranteed.
"It was a good night for him against Villarreal in the Champions League. That was an indication of his quality."
Evans hopes to shake off a virus which delayed him joining up with the squad in Slovenia and Ferguson claims he is already hugely important for Northern Ireland, having starred in a goalless draw in their last World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic.
"He already has 11 or so caps, even though he's only 20," said Fergie. "He'll be a fixture for Northern Ireland. I imagine he'll be their captain in time."
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Boss Nigel Worthington, already without defenders Michael Duff and Stephen Craigan, said: "We'll get as much fluid into him as possible. I can't say what the odds are on him playing."
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