Jonny Evans is hoping for more first team football at Old Trafford

Rio Ferdinand has told Northern Ireland star Jonny Evans that he will have to be patient as he presses for a regular place at Manchester United.

Twenty-year-old Evans made only his fourth appearance of the season against Queen's Park Rangers in the Carling Cup on Tuesday night.

Ferdinand said he understood Evans was desperate for more first-team action.

"The problem is he will want to play as many games as possible. I was the same when I was a kid," said Ferdinand.

"I was behind the likes of Slaven Bilic, Alvin Martin and Marc Rieper [at West Ham].

"But I did not look at how good they were - I just wanted to play.

"I wanted the manager to at least give me a game here and there. Jonny will be thinking that too."

Evans has won 14 caps for Northern Ireland.

In the summer, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson turned down Sunderland's approach to buy Evans and has already assured the defender he is a big part of United's long-term future.

Ferdinand's advice is for Evans to watch and learn in training to make sure any snippets of information are added to his own game, ensuring the Belfast-born youngster plays to his potential when called upon.

He has no doubts his fellow centre-half will make the grade at Old Trafford.

"Jonny has been called upon a few times already in big games this season and done brilliantly," said the England star.

"It is crazy to think he is so young. Roy Keane tried to buy him in the summer, which tells you a lot.

"He is good with both feet. He is playing regularly for Northern Ireland and will maybe become their captain in the near future.

"It explains why the manager made him realise he needs to stay here. He will have a major part to play at this club in the coming years."

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