We’d all love boss to lead us out at the Euro

SKIPPER Steven Davis says the ideal scenario for the Northern Ireland players is for Michael O’Neill to be in charge of the team at the Euro 2020 finals.

Northern Ireland have to get there first but inspirational Rangers star Davis says that O’Neill has given them the belief to do that, adding that the manager’s appointment at Stoke City hasn’t changed the focus in the squad. O’Neill is taking charge of his country for tonight’s Euro qualifier against Holland and the Group C game in Germany on Tuesday. He also intends to be around for potential play-offs in March.

Davis will win his 116th cap at Windsor Park this evening, becoming the UK’s most-capped midfielder in the process. He wants to win some more with O’Neill at the helm.

Asked for his thoughts on O’Neill landing the Stoke manager’s job, Davis said: “From a selfish point of view, I was disappointed but as Michael has said the plan going forward is to take the team through to the end of this campaign, be that the playoffs or whatever.

“I think we’ve got a great opportunity to qualify, be that through the two games we have left in the group or the play-offs.”

Quizzed on whether the perfect scenario would see O’Neill take the team all the way to Euro finals, Davis answered: “Of course, yes.”

The former Southampton hero added: “Michael has taken the job, but the focus since he came in has been on preparing for the game against Holland.”

Davis has had a rollercoaster of an international career filled with highs and lows. In O’Neill’s reign, though, the 34-year-old has not experienced victory over a superpower nation. He would love that to change tonight in what could be O’Neill’s last game as boss at Windsor.

“We don’t need any extra incentive. A number of us in the squad have already had the experience of going to Euro 2016 in France and we want to go to another major finals,” said Davis.

“We have all enjoyed our time under Michael. He has taken us