Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
It feels it Herz
DAVIS’ DOUBLE DELIGHT ON NIGHT HE PICKS UP A RECORD 120TH CAP
AS Liam Boyce billowed the Bosnian net, Northern Ireland captain Steven Davis ventured to join the frantic race to mob the Hearts striker before thinking better of it.
When you’re three months shy of your 36th birthday and winning a record breaking 120 caps after 120 minutes of breathless action, you have to be cautious.
The skipper slowed to a walk and gently applauded before walking off towards the bench.
It was a trademark moment from the understated Rangers midfielder on a night to remember as he eclipsed the legendary Pat Jennings’ haul of 119 appearances for his country.
“It is incredible,” said Davis. “To win 120 caps is a huge personal achievement for me and I can enjoy it a little bit now.
“As usual we don’t do things the easy way but I can look back with a lot of fond memories now to the night I broke the record.
“I know there was a lot of build-up to the game for me personally but it was all about the team and it’s a massive result for everyone.”
Vi c t o r y p r o p e l l e d No r t h e r n Ireland into a home play-off final on November 12 with Slovakia who broke Republic of Ireland hearts with a shootout win in Bratislava.
“We are just delighted,” said Davis. “Everyone is happy in the dressing room and we can look forward to another big game in Belfast next month.
“There is a huge carrot dangling in front of us now and an opportunity to reach the finals and back-to-back Euro tournaments.”
Nial l Mcginn’s coolly taken equaliser levelled things in normal time before the tie was decided by a tense shootout. Bailey Peacock-farrell’s save to deny Hajradinovic and Visca’s effort off the bar paved the way for Boyce to step up for the decisive spot kick.
“I was delighted with the character of the team,” said Davis. “We said no regrets, leave it all out there and we certainly did that.
“To concede early wasn’t the way we wanted to start the game but it shows you the mentality of the team. We stuck in there in difficult circumstances.
“The penalties are 50-50 but Bailey in goal was excellent and the boys who stepped up were magnificent.”
Goalscorer Mcginn said: “I ’m delighted to get on the score sheet and this is massive for the team. We always had confidence, but to come here and get a huge win is massive.
“The press probably saw Bosnia as huge favourites but we produced a strong performance here and won. We will be ready to rock in Belfast next month.”
Boss Baraclough added: “We wanted Liam Boyce and Conor Washington on the pitch for the penalties and they were confident stepping up.”