Rovers midfielder Corry Evans has been named in the Northern Ireland squad for their two upcoming friendlies.

Evans is a regular in Michael O’Neill’s squad and is expected to feature in both games against Panama and Costa Rica as they step up their preparations for the Nations League which starts later this year.

The 27-year-old will be looking to add to his 45 caps when the Irish face Panama on May 30 and then Costa Rica on June 3.

Evans started the win over South Korea in March, his first game since the controversial handball given against him as Ireland were beaten in the World Cup play-off by Switzerland.

O’Neill’s side face two sides who will be competing in Russia, with Panama drawn against England in Group G, while Costa Rica face Brazil, Serbia and Switzerland in Group E.

Evans featured in 36 Rovers games as they secured promotion back to the Championship and finished the season in fine form, starting eight of their last nine matches.

He is the fourth Rovers player to receive an international call-up after Darragh Lenihan, Derrick Williams (both Republic of Ireland) and Charlie Mulgrew (Scotland).

It is likely to stay at that number, with Jayson Leutwiler’s Canada being without a game in the latest round of international fixtures.

There are four uncapped players in the latest Northern Ireland squad, Conor Hazard (Celtic), Bailey Peacock-Farrell (Leeds), Gavin Whyte (Crusaders) and Cameron McGeehan (Barnsley).