RETIRED OF THESE QUERIES

IAN BARACLOUGH had a simple yet strident message for reporters after Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualifying defeat to Italy in Parma: Stop trying to retire Steven Davis.

Davis (above), who equalled Peter Shilton’s British caps record of 125 appearances for his country, was robbed of a fairytale result as the Azzurri ran out 2-0 winners.

But Baraclough (right) singled out the veteran midfielder - who was as surefooted as ever against one of Europe’s most accomplished sides - for high praise.

And while he accepts the Rangers star is in the autumn of a remarkable career, the national boss says the media should stop assuming Davis is set to hang up his international boots in the near future. “Stop trying to retire him,” said Baraclough on a zoom call with journalists after Thursday night’s

Group C qualifier in Parma.

“Any questions about Steven were put to bed hopefully because he was awesome in the middle of the park against Italy. Was his performance one of the positives of the night? Absolutely. He didn’t look out of place at all, as I knew he wouldn’t, so again, stop trying to retire him.”

Thursday night delivered a remarkable milestone for Davis who made his Northern Ireland debut in 2005 and has played under four national managers.

If he features against the USA tomorrow or against Bulgaria on Wednesday, he will eclipse former England goalkeeper Shilton who won 125 caps between 1970 and 1990.