Centre-back Jonny Evans has pulled out of the Northern Ireland squad to take on Estonia and Italy with an ankle injury, manager Nigel Worthington has confirmed.

The Manchester United defender played during his side's 2-0 victory over Norwich City on Saturday afternoon, but he had missed United's previous two matches with the complaint.

Worthington has revealed that it was United's decision for Evans not to represent his country.

"Jonny's not here and won't be here," said the boss. "He's had this ongoing ankle problem and came off in the warm-up the other week.

"He did play at the weekend but the feeling at his club is he does need rest and recuperation.

"So we accept that and move on."

Evans is the second player to withdraw from the Northern Ireland squad in as many days, following the retirement of Aaron Hughes.