Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough has claimed that Steven Davis is “out of the picture” at Rangers following a series of injuries at Ibrox.
The veteran midfielder, 37, has barely kicked a ball in 2022 but the legendary Ulsterman has been recalled to the Northern Ireland squad.
The Ibrox side have been coy on apparent injury issues surrounding Davo who has featured only five times under Giovanni van Bronckhorst, with two of those coming this year.
But despite a lack of playing time with the Gers the ex-Southampton and Aston Villa midfielder will be back in Ian Baraclough’s side ahead of friendlies with Luxembourg and Hungary.
Revealing that Davis had been carrying calf and thigh knocks, Englishman Baraclough claims that it’s the form of Davis’ teammates rather than the midfielder’s fitness keeping him out the team at Rangers.
“He’s out of the picture at Rangers at the moment having had a couple of little niggles and the team have done well, so it’s been difficult for him to get back into the side,” said Baraclough [Independent].
Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough claims Rangers’ Steven Davis being written off
“That’s probably something new for Steven, having to contend with that, which means he’s looking forward to meeting up with the group of guys and being part of our squad.
“He’s had a couple of setbacks, a small calf issue, a thigh issue, but I’ve not been told he won’t be fit for us come next week.”
The call-up also puts an end to rumours regarding Davo’s Northern Irish future with many believing the British international cap holder could call quits on his Ulster career after 132 appearances.
Baraclough has bitten back at this suggestion in the media, claiming the Ibrox veteran is being written off prematurely.
“I know it’s a question that’s going to be asked every (press) conference but my conversations with Steven have been no different – looking forward to the two games, looking forward to June,” said Baraclough [Independent].
“He still was one of our best players against Italy and that just shows you that if he’s got any thoughts of finishing or quitting, or if anyone wants to try to finish him, then they’re going down the wrong road with that.”
Meanwhile, Rangers fans have adopted a new chant to the tune of a song which came to prominence in a classic Quentin Tarantino movie.
