BLACKBURN Rovers midfielder Corry Evans admits the opportunity to play at Euro 2016 would be ‘something special’.

And the 24-year-old reckons there is a genuine chance he can make it to the showpiece in France in two years time.

Northern Ireland have never qualified for a European Championship.

But Evans, who is in their squad for their opening qualifying clash against Hungary in Budapest on Sunday, believes that could be about to change.

He puts that down to the fact that that more teams will qualify for a European Championship than ever before – 24 – and that Northern Ireland have avoided the continent’s bigger hitters in their group.

“We’ve got a half decent chance this time around,” said Evans, who will also go up against Greece, Romania, Finland and the Faroe Islands, along with Hungary, in Group F.

“There’s no real big name in our group, they are good nations but they are not the likes of Spain, Germany and France.

“We know that two definitely qualify from the group this time around so there’s a big incentive for us to do well.

“Hopefully we can come out at the end of it having qualified and go on to play in the Euros, which would be something special.”

Evans made his international debut in June 2009 in a 3-0 defeat at Italy.

The former Manchester United and Hull City man, who has started and finished all five of Rovers’ Championship match this season, has won 22 caps.