CORRY Evans has been named in the Northern Ireland squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers with San Marino and Czech Republic.

The midfielder has started the last three games for Rovers as he continues to work his way back to full fitness after a long-standing groin problem.

And the 27-year-old has been called up for next month’s qualifying games as Michael O’Neill’s side look to book their place in the play-off stages.

Northern Ireland will all but secure second place with two wins from their upcoming games.  They face in San Marino on September 1 before returning to Belfast to host Czech Republic, who are four points behind them in third, on September 4.

Evans made just 19 appearances for Rovers last season, and none after January 2, having being hampered by a groin problem.

He started twice for Northern Ireland in 2016/17, in the 2-0 defeat in Germany in October 2016, and the 4-0 win over Azerbaijan the following month.

Despite being called up by the national team for their March qualifiers, his injury meant he didn’t feature.

But after four outings so far this season, including back-to-back 90 minutes, he is expected to push for a starting spot in next Friday’s qualifier as he looks to add to his 39 senior caps.