Evans Operation?

Manchester United star Jonny Evans could be forced to finally go under the knife after his ongoing ankle injury flared up again forcing him out of tomorrow night’s final World Cup qualifying match in Prague.

Evans (21) met up the Northern Ireland squad on Sunday at their London base but was sent back to Manchester yesterday afternoon after he was unable to train prior to leaving for the Czech Republic.

It’s the latest setback for Evans who has been plagued with this troublesome left ankle problem all season and brings Nigel Worthington’s absentee list in the Czech capital to eight.

At the end of August the Newtownabbey born ace feared he would need an operation to cure the problem but United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insisted his young versatile defender was fine to continue even it meant only playing with the aid of painkilling injections.

Now, it seems urgent surgery is required.

With Evans out, 19-year-old Ryan McGivern, currently on loan at Leicester City from Manchester City, will play his first game of the season and make his first competitive start for his country.

Boss Worthington said last night: “Jonny’s got an ankle problem. It’s the same problem as before, it flared up on Sunday when he arrived in London at the hotel.

“He tried to join in the training session yesterday morning but it soon became clear that he wasn’t going to make it.

“I know we have a big number of players missing but there is nothing I can do about it — as I always say, it gives other players the opportunity to come in and make their case for the shirt on a regular basis. There really is no point moping about it.

“As selection goes, it’s not a problem — Ryan McGivern will play left back. It’s straight forward.”

Meanwhile, Jonny’s younger brother Corry could be set to seal a loan move to Rangers.