Rangers and Northern Ireland legend Steven Davis has been getting plaudits from teammates, managers and also close friends as he prepares to break the Ulster cap record.
When the diminutive midfielder takes to the field against Bosnia in the country’s UEFA Nations League playoff, he will earn his 120th cap and beat Pat Jennings’ previous 119-cap record.
The likes of Steven Gerrard, Walter Smith, Ronald Koeman, Virgil van Dijk and Adam Lallana [Sky Sports] have been out celebrating the 35-year old player’s distinguished career.
Whilst they all speak incredibly highly of Davo as a player and a man, there are some comments which should remind Rangers fans just how much the club means to the midfielder.
Davis is in his second spell at Rangers having won a move to Ibrox following an initial loan spell from Fulham in 2008.
The former Aston Villa midfielder would spend four trophy-laden years at Ibrox, winning eight of them and helping the Gers to an iconic UEFA Cup Final in 2008.
Now back at Ibrox, Davis is back home bossing matches from the midfield and proving even at 35 he still has gas in the tank.
But whilst Davis’ highlight reel in royal blue is extensive enough – Davis has also served as Rangers captain – the comments of long-time friend and representative Rob Segal should have the hair of the average bluenose standing up on the back of their neck.
Back in 2012 when Rangers were in meltdown and players unsure of their futures, Steven Davis would not allow himself to move on without seeing the Ibrox club right.
“I’ve got to tell you one other thing Steven did,” said Segal [Sky Sports].
“He refused to sign the registration papers for his Southampton move until Southampton paid a sum of money to Rangers to help them.
“Rangers were so close to being extinct and he didn’t just walk away. He possibly could have received that money but he insisted on that money going back to Rangers.
“That is what Steven Davis is all about. It’s been a pleasure to be his agent.”
What a man, and what an achievement.
