St. Johnstone star Ali McCann has been mooted as a possible replacement for Rangers talisman Steven Davis at club and international level – but the 21-year-old is just happy to be sharing the same pitch as the soon-to-be most-capped British international of all-time.
Northern Ireland play Italy, America then Bulgaria in the upcoming internationals and if Davis appears in two of the three games he’ll be out on his own with 126 caps – one more than legendary England keeper Peter Shilton.
McCann has only two caps for his country and is yet to share the pitch with Davis so far in his short international career, with Davis actually replacing the 21-year-old last year in a game against Austria.
The St. Johnstone midfielder admits it doesn’t look like Davis is thinking about calling it quits any time soon after just signing a new one-year deal at Ibrox and the Ulsterman is looking forward to getting the chance to learn from the veteran star, saying: “He doesn’t look like hanging up the boots anytime… Steven is brilliant, he conducts himself so well day to day.” [Irish News].
“He’s in great nick and every training session he is ‘at it’. You look at him and the senior players and they have had good careers for a reason so you try and pick up pointers when you can.
“He’s been unbelievable this season for Rangers. They’ve blown everyone away in the league and obviously were crowned champions a few weeks ago.
“He’s been one of their best players and he’s a great professional. You see that every day in training when I’m with the Northern Ireland squad and if you can take away pointers from someone like him, it can only be good for me as well.”
McCann’s St Johnstone side snatched a place in the top six of the Premiership at the death last weekend as a goal from Rangers loanee Glenn Middleton sealed a 1-0 win over Ross County and leapfrogged St. Mirren in the table.
The Edinburgh-born midfielder is regularly mentioned by fans as a potential signing and the chance to learn from Davis while on international duty is one that should really help him improve.
Meanwhile, an in-demand Rangers star has confirmed that he has had talks with the club regarding a possible contract extension.