Ali McCann has praised Rangers midfielder Steven Davis ahead of Northern Ireland’s Euro 2020 playoff final, as quoted by Not The Old Firm.
Davis became his country’s most-capped player of all-time last month and he’ll be skipper for a winner-takes-all clash against Slovakia at Windsor Park on Thursday night.
The 35-year-old has been in sparkling form at club level recently and St Johnstone midfielder, McCann, who is yet to win his first senior cap, says the Gers star is someone he looks up to.
“People like Steven have had great careers, playing down in England and in the Premier League,” he said, as quoted by Not The Old Firm. “He has 120-odd caps for Northern Ireland and just watching him day to day he is such a good professional. You don’t have a career like he has had without being a good pro and being at it every day.”
“If I can take anything from a player like him it can only help me in my career. All the older lads show an interest and try to keep young players like me right.
“They helped me settle in and I felt part of it whenever I got there.”
Rangers star Steven Davis praised ahead of Northern Ireland ‘cup final’ – Verdict
20-year-old McCann is a promising player who was nominated for the SFWA Young Player of the Year award last season. Yet, it’s clear he realises he’s still a long way off Davis’ level.
The maestro has been delivering for club and country for 15 years and he is pivotal to Northern Ireland’s hopes on Thursday night.
Steven Gerrard recently referred to the Slovakia fixture as a ‘cup final’ [Belfast Telegraph] and out of respect for Ian Baraclough, he rested Davis for the Premiership fixture against Hamilton on Sunday.
Of course, there’s no actual silverware on offer for the victors. Yet, there is a place at a major tournament up for grabs and Davis will be doing everything in his power to guide Northern Ireland to their second consecutive European Championships.
