McNair moved to the United States to join MLS side San Diego in January after a spell at West Brom.

The 29-year-old former Manchester United and Middlesborough defender says he would not have moved to America if it would have put his place in the Northern Ireland squad in jeopardy.

“I’ve really enjoyed it, really enjoyed the football and everything about it,” he added.

“Playing for Northern Ireland has always been very special for me. I’ll definitely put on the green shirt for as long as I can.

“When I was younger, I went to most of the games and I always loved coming to Windsor Park and I love playing for my country.”

McNair is the last remaining member of the Euro 2016 squad, and is now the most senior player in Michael O’Neill’s current squad.

He will wear the captain’s armband on Friday, which has been rotated around the squad since the retirements of Jonny Evans and Steven Davis, and says he will try and “lead by example” in a young Northern Ireland squad.

Friday’s friendly with Switzerland and trip to Sweden on Tuesday will be preparation for Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualifying campaign, which starts in September, and McNair believes NI have the quality to make the finals in 2026.

“We have a lot of talented players and with each campaign they are getting more experience, in the long run it is a very exciting squad,” he said.

“I just hope we can qualify for the World Cup it would be amazing but there is a lot of hard work to get there.”