In a weekend of contrasting fortunes at Rangers and Celtic, the difference in quality and class could be summed up by the performances of each side’s resident veteran midfielder.
Rangers midfielder Steven Davis put in a midfield masterclass in Dingwall as the Rangers ran riot over Ross County in a thumping 4-0 victory.
Northern Irish captain Davis was in sparkling form in the Highlands, his perfectly waited pass scything through the County defence to find James Tavernier who found Kemar Roofe for the opener.
Davis’ performance was summed up by a Rabona dink pass to Kemar Roofe which was about the only time the midfielder came close to dropping the proverbial cigar from his mouth.
At 35, Davis is still patrolling in front of the defence and using every inch of his class and experience to dictate matches for the Gers.
That’s no mean feat in a team earning a reputation for their swashbuckling, electric style.
Contrast this with the fortunes of Celtic’s captain Scott Brown, who at the first sign of pressure appears to be buckling big time.
The ex-Scotland captain gave up on an international career to focus on Celtic and has kicked, screamed and booted his way into Parkhead folklore against little competition.
Also 35, Brown’s woeful form has been summed up by lacklustre leadership and rudderless performances with a distinct lack of responsibility and quality.
When you consider that Steven Davis also plays for Northern Ireland on a regular basis, it’s a testament to the fitness and professionalism of Davo he’s still playing at this level.
Brown in comparison looks past it, his once tigerish presence more akin to a kitten and his bottle crashing symbolic of the shattered glass lying all around Parkhead.
Way back in 2007 when Brown joined Celtic he was regularly shown up by dominant Rangers midfields and in the space of time we’ve been away has waltzed this division.
But as the screw starts to turn on Brown there is an increasing feeling that he’s part of the problem at Celtic rather than the solution.
Rangers midfielder Steven Davis in contrast, remains an essential, valuable and experienced head in a Gers side vibrant with form and self-belief.
Although Gers fans might want him to, Steven Davis isn’t going to go on forever; could a long-term replacement for his country also eventually fill his boots at Rangers?
