In an interview with the Scottish Herald, David Healy has tipped Steven Davis to have a stellar season with Rangers.
The veteran midfielder spent the second half of last season on loan from Premier League side Southampton. Then, at the expiration of his Saints contract, he joined the Gers on a one-year permanent deal.
Davis has done it all before at Ibrox, and although he endured a rocky start to his second stint, his quality shone through towards the back end of the campaign.
Healy backs Davis to thrive
As a former international teammate, Healy knows Davis’ capabilities better than most. After all, it was the midfielder’s pass that set up his famous winner against England in Belfast in 2005.
“The good thing for Davo is that he will have read and heard all the doubts being expressed and knowing the type of character and person and more importantly the type of player he is he will use that as fuel to make sure that it doesn’t happen again,” said Healy, as quoted by the Scottish Herald. “People say that footballers don’t see or hear criticism – of course we do!”
“It’s the same for me now as a manager – you hear what people think of you. Davo hasn’t played at the top of the game without having that inner steel. I firmly believe that bringing him back will prove to be a big signing for Gerrard.
“I watched one of his early games against Kilmarnock on a disastrous pitch and that wasn’t the Steven Davis that I knew or the one that Steven Gerrard had brought to the club. It took him a bit longer to get the fitness back and the last eight games of the season he was Rangers best player.
“I expect him to have a good pre-season and be one of the best players in Scotland again. That’s my aspirations for him.”
Verdict
There’s no doubt that Davis initially struggled after returning to Rangers in January. He looked a shadow of his former self and some fans questioned whether or not he was past it.
However, he eventually earned a regular starting spot and once fully fit, showed his true quality.
The Gers have plenty of resources in midfield right now, but in form, Davis is a sure starter.
If Gerrard can get the best out of him for a whole campaign, he could help deliver title no.55.
