DAVIS IS READY FOR BOS-NESS

NORTHERN IRELAND captain Steven Davis hasn’t taken long to recognise the value of three points in the opening game of the UEFA Nations League.

In a three-team pool featuring Austria and today’s opponents Bosnia & Herzegovina, Davis knows a win would leave Northern Ireland on solid ground.

The 101-times-capped midfielder said: “You would imagine our group will be relatively tight so we want to get off to the best start possible.

“That way, with such a small number of games to play, you’re in a good position early on.”

Davis believes Northern Ireland’s recent home record is a source of optimism for both the Nations League and Euro 2020 qualifiers, which kick off in March.

Of their last 13 outings at Windsor Park, dating back to a 3-1 win over Greece in October 2015, the Irish have won 10.

“We’re facing a big test against a tough side but we have a good record here,” said Davis. The Southampton star, 33, has found Premier League action hard to come by this season under Mark Hughes. His only 90 minutes came in a 1-0 EFL Cup win over Brighton 12 days ago.

“It’s frustrating for any player who isn’t playing regularly but things can change very quickly in football,” he said.

“I was injured in the second half of last season but my body is feeling good and I am ready to go.”

Has he had a chat with Saints boss Hughes, who replaced Mauricio Pellegrino in March?

“We’ve had a chat,” said Davis. “I played in a cup game the other night and obviously it was good to get 90 minutes.

“And I look forward to getting stuck into the games here as well.”

ITCHING TO GO Davis’ playing time at Saints has been limited