FORCE of NATURE
Even at the grand old age of 36, Durrant insists Davis remains the man to make Rangers tick as they close in on title glory at home and progress further in Europe
WHEN quizzed on dropping Steven Davis from his matchday squad two years ago, Steven Gerrard offered a putdown and a prediction in the same breath. Only six weeks into his second spell with Rangers, Davis was left behind in Glasgow while Gerrard’s men tackled a Scottish Cup quarter-final tie in Aberdeen.
The Rangers manager stressed that neither reputation nor name guaranteed a selection for his team and that players often find answers to their complaints and questions within themselves.
He swiftly added: ‘I’ve got no doubt he will be an amazing signing, I have every confidence in Davis and his ability.’
This Thursday in Prague, Davis is likely to make his 47th appearance for club and country since the start of August.
Before coronavirus stopped play last March, he’d reached that figure in 2019/20 — quite the load for his age.
Davis is also on course to overtake Peter Shilton’s British caps record of 125 when Northern Ireland commence 2022 World Cup qualifying later this month.
The longer this season goes on, the stronger the case to be crowned Player of the Year.
He could complete a double 11 years apart after lifting the PFA Scotland award in 2010.
Thirteen years after debuting for his boyhood club in the stalemate against Panathinaikos that led Rangers on a knockout route to the UEFA Cup final, Davis is the vital cog powering
He looks in full control of everything... he sees out wins for the team
another deep European run. Taking all that into account, it’s hard to imagine that in March 2019, his return to Ibrox was being written off.
That his struggles to shake off the rust from injury and inactivity with Southampton led to such harsh early judgment — and that shock action from Gerrard deciding Davis could work on match sharpness at Livingston reserves rather than Pittodrie.
Having Davis anywhere other than patrolling the Rangers midfield with total control and composure is unthinkable right now as Gerrard homes in on league title glory and European progress.
Davis is not only excelling after all these years. What Ian Durrant witnesses now is a phenomenon still improving and refining at the age of 36.
Durrant, part of Walter Smith’s coaching staff on the road to Manchester in 2008, finds himself swooning over every Davis display.
He’s conducting a masterclass for the midfield purist and Durrant recognises it’s his veteran football brain making Rangers tick.
‘Steven Davis is just defying logic with the way he’s playing,’ stated Durrant.
‘He’s actually getting better with age. I know when you go into the latter stages of your career at, say, 34 or 35, there’s a bit where energy levels drop and you don’t get about the park as much. But he’s so controlled upstairs. His brain moves far faster than most players he’s playing with, without being disrespectful.
‘He looks in absolute control of everything he’s doing. He’s seeing victories out for the team, knows exactly when to turn the gas up and when to put it back down again.
‘He’s always been a fantastic player but just looks the all-round complete midfielder now.’
Davis is the recipient of the occasional text message from Durrant to wish luck and offer congratulations.
Another popular missive is encouragement to carry on playing for as long as possible.
Davis and Allan McGregor are the two veterans of the trophyladen second Smith era that preceded the administration collapse of 2011/12.
They are approaching the end of their contracts but Durrant urges them to continue.
That would be welcome news for colleagues such as Ryan Jack, Connor Goldson, Filip Helander — and a clutch of aspiring talent at the Rangers training ground.
Durrant explained: ‘The two centre-halves must love it knowing
Steven Davis is in front, the way he goes about screening the ball.
‘And what an education for Ryan Jack, who’s not a bad player himself, to have these years playing beside him.
‘He and Ryan look the perfect foil in the middle of the park. I can see players round about Steven feeding off the way he plays.
‘And if you’re a young kid, you’d pick him to be around — his mannerisms, how he conducts himself. He’s such a pleasure to work with.
‘He was very good captain for us, not a shouter and bawler but he stepped up many times.
‘You knew the importance of his presence when he was about. He’s magnificent — just the consummate pro. A great lad. Quiet, unassuming in going about his business but so effective.
‘I wouldn’t think the end was in sight. Hopefully he’ll sign another contract. I’ve had a bit of dialogue with him now and again, wishing him all the best.
‘Barring injury, he should play as long as he can. Long may it continue because the best days of your life are playing.’
Davis was skipper for Ally McCoist and Durrant in 2011/12 when financial meltdown hit Ibrox.
He left for Southampton but not before insisting the English Premier League club settled stricken Rangers with £800,000, money which Davis could have pocketed as a signing on fee.
When he returned, initially on loan, for Gerrard in January 2019 he’d been restricted by injury to two starts for Saints in six months.
Northern Ireland caps kept him ticking over but a different fitness dynamic was required to win a place in a team toiling to match title strides with Celtic.
Durrant explained: ‘Because of the incredibly high levels Steven had set, people just expected that button to be switched on again.
‘But he hadn’t played for a long time. It’s hard work. And I know that, after missing a lot of football, it takes time.
‘Never judge people too early. Let them get their fitness and see how they are.
‘But, by God, he’s making up for it now. If he’s fit, then he’s automatic No1 pick for Steven Gerrard.
‘He deserves all the rewards for what he’s put in. Hopefully it ends with the title.’
Davis was a young loan capture from Fulham when emerging a key performer for a Rangers team reliant on defensive fortitude to grind a way to a European final.
Gerrard’s team put as many goals (five) past Royal Antwerp last week at Ibrox as Rangers managed in nine knockout games in the spring of 2008.
A scoring hero of the 1992/93 inaugural Champions League run in Smith’s first period in charge, Durrant can’t speak highly enough about the impact of Gerrard in three European campaigns.
Durrant said: ‘There seems to be, I wouldn’t say arrogance, but a great confidence in Europe where they relish every challenge.
‘Rangers look formidable and what they’ve done in Europe is sensational.
‘I was fortunate enough to be over in Braga last season. That was an excellent team but Rangers just dismantled them, with Ianis Hagi and Ryan Kent magnificent.
‘Gerrard always seems to have a great game plan when we’re playing away. They seem so focused, so organised, so well balanced and potent with counter attacks.
‘They’ve come through many tough opponents with flying colours so must fancy their chances.’