Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
COUNT GERSELF LUCKY!
Baraclough tells Ibrox men they’re fortunate they have the option to re-sign Davis
NORTHERN IRELAND boss Ian Baraclough says Rangers are in a privileged position to have the option to sign Steven Davis on a new deal at Ibrox.
Davis, now 37 and in the autumn of his career, is out of contract this summer and a question mark hangs over his future with the Old Firm giants.
Motherwell and St Mirren have been linked with moves for the veteran midfielder although a short extension at Rangers remains a possibility.
Baraclough is delighted to have Davis in his plans for next week’s Nations League kick-off and believes his skipper still has a lot to offer.
“I haven’t had conversations with Steven on his contract talks or whether he’s talking to other clubs,” he said.
“But if he is fit and firing – and I think he’s in great shape – I see no reason why he can’t sign a new deal for Rangers and have a massive impact next season.
“There’ll be many managers, whether in the Championship in England or top leagues around Europe, who will be envious that Rangers have the chance to re-sign Steven.
“He is a top, top player and he shows his quality time and time again. For me, he still has a big part to play for both club and country.”
While Davis was starved of first team opportunities in the second half of the campaign, he offered a reminder of his qualities in the Europa League and Scottish Cup finals.
The Cullybackey native shone as a substitute and scored from the penalty spot in a shootout defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League showpiece.
And he impressed as a starter in last Saturday’s Scottish Cup final win over Hearts as the Glasgow club celebrated its first blue riband success in 13 years.
“Davo is still playing at a very high level and he showed it in those two finals,” said Baraclough.
“In the Europa League final he came on and steadied the ship. He then started in the Scottish Cup final and was really the lynchpin for Rangers winning that trophy.
“I know he is looking forward to being part of the group and getting four games under his belt in some fashion.”
Kilmarnock striker Kyle Lafferty is recalled, while Glentoran winger Conor Mcmenamin, Manchester City youngster Shea Charles, Huddersfield defender Brodie Spencer and Rangers midfielder Charlie Mccann are called up for the first time.