CORRY Evans’ workload remains on the mind of Rovers boss Tony Mowbray with the midfielder having just returned to a level of fitness where he can play 90 minutes.

Evans didn’t feature in the Carabao Cup defeat to Burnley, where he was an unused substitute, having started the three games prior to that.

Having made just 19 appearances for Rovers in 2016/17, because of a long-standing groin problem, Mowbray is keen not to place too much of a workload on the 27-year-old.

But he is happy for Evans to join up with the Northern Ireland squad after tomorrow’s home game with MK Dons having being named in the squad for their upcoming qualifiers against San Marino and Czech Republic.

And Mowbray says Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill is well aware of Evans’ fitness issues ahead of their World Cup qualifying double-header.

“We have a good relationship with Michael – I have known him for a long time since I was managing at Hibs and he was managing in Scotland,” Mowbray said.

“I think they are fully aware of Corry’s fitness and his injury situation and I’m pretty sure they will look after him.

“But they will also want him to help them win some games.

“We are conscious of Corry’s workload and I have spoken to him about that.

“There is a bit of rotation for us in midfield, Peter Whittingham is a big part of our plans, and we will have to manage Corry as we move forward.”

Northern Ireland can all but secure a place in the play-off stages should they manage wins over San Marino and Czech Republic.