Davis eyes up a Greek double act
7.45PM, PREMIER SPORTS
THE last time Steven Davis welcomed Greece to Windsor Park he bagged a double that sealed a spot at Euro 2016.
The Rangers midfielder was the hero in a 3-1 win that capped an emotional evening in Belfast.
Now, seven years on from that night and with 134 caps claimed, 37-year-old skipper Davis would love to guide the Irish to another cracking win.
He said: “It was a really special, memorable night. There were a lot of different emotions going into the game, the pressure we put on ourselves more than anything else because we knew what it would mean for ourselves, our families and the nation.
“For the game to go the way it did, in terms of the performance and the result, and being able to soak it in a little bit towards the end was really special.
“Ultimately it led to the experience of a lifetime in France, so more of the same would be nice, although there’s not as much on this game.
“It has to rank as one of the best moments of my career, without a doubt. To achieve something like that as a group and that’s what we’re all striving for again.”
Davis’ club and international futures are secure after he agreed a 12-month contract extension with Rangers and he says it was a no-brainer.
He said: “It was an easy conversation and an easy decision and now I’m looking forward to next season.”
Northern Ireland have not won any of their first 10 Nations League games and face Greece at Windsor Park in group C2 after being relegated to the third tier.
But boss Ian Baraclough said: “We’re all desperate to win but I’ve also got to balance that out with giving these players experience. Euros and World Cups take precedence.”