Evans earns Fergie praise

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted it is becoming increasingly difficult to leave Jonny Evans out of the Manchester United side.

The Northern Ireland international has improved considerably over the past couple of years but is still not regarded as a first-choice centre-back due to the presence of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic at the club.

However, Evans has been so impressive when he has covered for either of the pair that Ferguson acknowledges he will soon force his way into the line-up by right.

"Sometimes I don't know whether I am doing the right thing leaving Jonny out because his performance level has been so high," said the United boss.

"At times I have been unfair to him.

"But he is still young. He has a great future here and time will come when I have to put him in."

"The great thing about footballers and young players in particular is that one summer they come back and they are a different player.

"They have a different physique and they tell you by their performance that it is time for them to go into the team."

Evans made 31 appearances for United last term and he admits he just wants to play as regularly as possible.

"I did improve last season," said the 21-year-old.

"You do have your ups and downs during the season but I got more confident in my own ability as the season went on.

"I was loving every game because you just want to be involved."