Evans hoping to avoid surgery

Manchester United star Jonny Evans hopes that he will avoid having surgery on his ankle problem.

Evans had conceded late last month that he would need to go under the knife on the problem which has been troubling him for almost 12 months.

The Northern Ireland star was ready to play through the pain barrier for his country as they have two crucial World Cup qualifiers against Poland and Slovakia coming up.

"A few weeks ago it was in the back of my mind that I might need an operation, but with steroid operations it is feeling a lot better again," Evans told Sky Sports News.

Evans is now fully focussed on his country's qualifying campaign, as they are well placed in the group with just three matches remaining.

And the United man insists they are still going for top spot in Group 3.

"You have got to look to get that top-spot," he said.

"The play-offs is a lottery, top spot would be unbelievable and it is something we have to aim for, we have a chance, so why not?"