Rangers legend Steven Davis cemented his place in British sporting history as he equalled England great Peter Shilton’s cap record by leading out Northern Ireland in a 2-0 defeat to Italy.
Davo, 36, has been rolling back the years this season and has been a stand-out performer for Rangers, something made even more impressive by both his age and the fact he rarely misses an international.
The Ulster captain led his team out once again as Northern Ireland disappointingly kickstarted a World Cup qualifying campaign in defeat.
This was Davis’ 125th international cap with there being every chance the midfielder will break Shilton’s record when Northern Ireland host the USA on Sunday.
It has been a remarkable career for Davis who earned his first international cap against Canada in a 1-0 defeat way back in 2005.
Since then Davis has guided the side to a European Championships and has been part of the team which has redefined Northern Ireland on the international stage.
Ex-Aston Villa, Fulham, and Southampton midfielder Davis has also scored 12 international goals in his career.
There’s plenty to be proud of for Davis, who even took the time to applaud ex-England goalie Shilton for a “touch of class” regarding the British cap record.
But whilst the humble Davo might’ve reserved praise for the man whose cap record he is about to usurp this achievement is all about him.
A legend for both Rangers and Northern Ireland, those who’ve supported Davis in his career will surely be beaming with pride should he break the record this weekend, even if Davis was disappointed after the result in Italy.
“I’ve huge pride at equalling the record but it wasn’t the fairytale I wanted it to be,” said Davis [BBC Sport].
Let’s hope there are more fairytales to come with both Rangers and Northern Ireland – fans were delighted when this supremely talented midfielder signed a new deal at Ibrox for next season.
