Rangers star Steven Davis has been awarded an honorary doctorate from Belfast’s Queen’s University as the return of Michael O’Neill raises a Northern Ireland dilemma.
Ibrox veteran Davo, 37, is the most-capped British men’s footballer of all time having turned out for his country 140 times, scoring 13 goals.
But as the MBE is recognised with an honorary doctorate from Queen’s, there are still questions surrounding whether or not the player will add to that total in the weeks and months ahead.
As covered by Belfast Telegraph, Steven Davis has been recognised by the Northern Ireland university for his contribution to football with Julie Nelson, the first NI female player to reach 100 caps, also recognised.
Steven Davis to consider Northern Ireland future as Michael O’Neill returns
The news comes as Rangers midfielder Steven Davis mulls over his international future following the completion of Northern Ireland’s most recent international qualification campaign.
MORE RANGERS STORIES
Speaking after NI’s 3-1 UEFA Nations League defeat to Greece, where the Ulstermen finished 3rd in League C Group 2, the midfielder admitted his international future was up in the air.
“I think it is important to reflect and not make knee jerk decisions,” said Steven Davis [Belfast Telegraph].
“When that day does come it will be very emotional for me, to be honest. Everyone knows how much it means to me playing for Northern Ireland.”
The midfielder’s situation has now taken another twists after Michael O’Neill was reappointed as Northern Ireland manager earlier this month.
O’Neill was in charge during the country’s most recent successful period, where they reached the Last 16 of the European Championships in 2016, but departed for Stoke City in 2019.
Almost three years on the manager is back in charge at Windsor Park and it presents an interesting dilemma for former Rangers captain Steven Davis.
As the Ibrox veteran celebrates his honorary doctorate, the return of a manager who got the best out of him on the international stage will surely have Davis questioning his future for all the right reasons.
Meanwhile, Rangers and Celtic are both reportedly tailing one player who turned out at the World Cup.