Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has paid tribute to Rangers midfielder Steven Davis after the Ulsterman’s penalty miss denied Northern Ireland a historic Windsor Park victory over Holland.
Davis delighted fans by becoming the most capped British midfielder of all time in the 0-0 draw with Holland but skied a first-half penalty and the opportunity to make the occasion extra special.
It wasn’t to be for the industrious Ulsterman and former Southampton teammate Virgil van Dijk has paid tribute to his old captain at St. Mary’s despite missing from the spot.
“Exactly [it can happen to anyone],” said van Dijk [BBC Sport].
“He’s a fantastic player for Northern Ireland, the captain, and it can happen. It was good for us like I said, but unlucky for Northern Ireland.
“If anyone analyses the games, especially here, it’s difficult to beat them. For us it was not easy either, it’s good that we kept a clean sheet and that we’re going through to the Euros.”
Having played alongside Davis, former Celtic defender van Dijk knows all about the threat he carries.
Davis will also know all too well why Liverpool paid Southampton £75m for van Dijk’s services.
The result means Northern Ireland will now be relying on a Nations League playoff to make Euro 2020.
Before those playoffs in March, the Ulsterman will be travelling to Germany on Tuesday night.
It might’ve been a night of mixed emotions for former Rangers captain Davis, but he will quickly set his sights on the playoffs and beating Peter Shilton’s British record of 125 caps.
