Cap still fits for Steven
Ian Baraclough says there is no danger of Steven Dav is quit t ing the international scene any time soon.
With this month’s Nations League games against Romania and Norway, the Rangers midfielder will join Pat Jennings as his country’s most capped player on 119.
Northern Ireland boss Baraclough insists that, even at 35, Davis can be as influential as ever.
He said: “I spoke to Steven last week and he’s playing with Rangers and enjoying his football more than ever.
“There has been no mention of retirement whatsoever. I can’t wait to start working with him.
“Steven has performed with distinction for Northern Ireland and he really loves captaining his country.
“The way he prepares for his games these days is probably even more thorough than he did when he was younger.”
Davis is in line to go past Jennings in the October Euro 2020 play- off semifinal in Bosnia.
One more cap after that would take him to 121, moving clear of England’s Wayne Rooney to become Britain’s most capped outfield player, with only Peter Shilton ahead of him in the all-time ranks.
Baraclough added: “He is one of those players who is respected by everyone else in the squad.
“That’s not just for what he does on the pitch but also how he conducts himself off it.
“I want him to keep being a major inf luence for us for as long as he possibly can.
“Young players look up to him and his experience is vital for all members of the squad. He brings quality and control to the team and he is still an outstanding player.”