CORRY Evans said captaining his country in his 50th appearance was a proud moment.

The Rovers midfielder was handed the Northern Ireland armband for Monday’s 2-0 Nations League defeat in Bosnia.

The 28-year-old said: “It’s a proud moment for myself and my family, it’s something I’ve always dreamed about as a kid. Thanks to Steven (Davis) for letting me have that honour.”

Evans, who completed 90 minutes, couldn’t mark his milestone appearance with a win and felt missed chances cost Michael O’Neill’s side in the midweek defeat, which followed a loss to Austria last week and leaves Northern Ireland bottom of Group B3 without a point and looking likely to be relegated.

He added: “You come away to places like Bosnia and Austria and if you don’t take your chances you get punished at this level.

“Match-winners are key in international football. (Marko) Arnautovic scored the other night and Edin Dzeko scores two tonight to win the game.

“There’s room for improvement, Michael’s stressed to play an aggressive style of football and move the ball through the pitch quicker.

“For the first 25 minutes I thought we were very good. Once they scored we sort of lost our way, we regained it a little bit in the second half but we’ve got to start learning quick.”

O’Neill’s men end their Nations League campaign at home to Austria next month.