Davis is hoping history repeats itself
Veteran midfielder eyes up Old Firm cup final triumph — just like 2011
STEVEN DAVIS would dearly love to turn back the clock and re-run a treasured piece of history. A scorer when Rangers won the last Old Firm final, his focus will be on gaining more glory at Hampden on December 8.
The Northern Ireland captain hit the opener for Walter Smith’s side in the 2011 League Cup showpiece, crowning a forward burst with a low finish beyond Fraser Forster. Joe Ledley then levelled before a Nikica Jelavic finish in extra-time placed blue ribbons on the trophy.
That experience could now be vital eight years on. In a squad where many are hunting for their first medal of significance, Davis brings a stamp of composed authority. He has been there, seen it and done it when the temperature reaches its maximum inside the national stadium.
Now 34, he shows little sign of letting his standards drop. He was the deep-lying orchestrator of yesterday’s comfortable 3-0 semi-final success over Hearts that set up another showdown in Mount Florida against Neil Lennon’s men.
Celtic will be chasing their tenth successive trophy, an extraordinary period of dominance that would have seemed unthinkable during Davis’ first stint in Glasgow.
Tilting the balance back towards the blue half of the city remains a formidable task. The former Southampton player is, however, eager to write an updated chapter in his own story of cup-winning derby success.
‘It would be nice if history repeated itself but, listen, it’s going to be a difficult one to predict,’ said Davis.
‘Both clubs have been in really good form since the start of the season and this is a game that will whet the appetite of the fans.
‘Whenever it comes to a cup final, history doesn’t necessarily come into it. Naturally, we’ll need to give them a certain amount of respect because of what they’ve achieved in recent years and the consistency they’ve shown but the challenge for us is to go and lift the trophy on the day.
‘There’s going to be a lot of pressure and it’s ultimately which group of players can deal with it best and still perform. I’ve never been involved in a cup final which has been comfortable, whether it’s been Celtic or anybody else. It’ll be a tough day but we’re hopeful we can come out on the right side of it.’
Hampden will also bring Davis into opposition with two of his former Southampton colleagues, Forster and Mohamed Elyounoussi.
‘I obviously spent a lot of time with Fraser and I’m delighted for him that he’s done quite well since he’s come back up,’ he added.
‘But, hopefully, on the day I’ll get bragging rights.
‘Mohamed was there as well (at Southampton). He had a difficult sort of time because he picked up a couple of niggling injuries. You can see now he’s playing regularly and has a bit of confidence with his performances.’
With the two teams locked on 28 points at the Premiership summit, it’s tempting to think the impact of winning the League Cup could be wider than a single piece of silverware.
‘I’m not too sure if the final will have a bearing in terms of the league but, of course, psychologically it could give us a big boost if we were to go on and win it,’ added Davis.
‘So that’s the challenge for us. It’s always important to get that first trophy as a group as well. It gives you that appetite to go on and have more success.
‘It’s going to be intriguing to see how this season pans out. Both teams have shown a good level of consistency and I’m sure there will be plenty of twists and turns.
‘I don’t think the teams will be allowed to drop too many points over the course of the season. The side that goes on to win the title will have to show a real level of consistency.
‘That’s the challenge for us. We just need to keep trying to replicate the level of performance we showed today.’
Steven Gerrard’s side were confident and composed in seeing off managerless Hearts, with a display far removed from the recent 1-1 draw between the clubs at Tynecastle.
Alfredo Morelos set up the opener for Filip Helander, before adding two strikes of his own.
The result also ended a truly dire recent record at Hampden. Since winning a 2016 Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic, Rangers had lost six successive games in the stadium, including five semi-finals in which not a single Rangers goal was scored.
‘We’re delighted to be in the final,’ continued Davis. ‘Ultimately, we haven’t achieved anything yet but it’s a step in the right direction and it’s a day we’ll certainly look forward to.
‘Nobody had spoken about our poor recent record at Hampden beforehand. With this group of players, it didn’t prey on anyone’s mind. We just focused on trying to get a positive result.
‘Alfredo Morelos was excellent again for us. I believe that he has taken his game to a new level this season. He’s putting in more mature performances and it’s not just his goals return but his all-round game that’s improved.’
Davis only signed a 12-month deal when making his switch from St Mary’s permanent during the summer but Gerrard is keen for him to agree an extension.
‘We haven’t sat down and spoken about anything just yet,’ he said. ‘But I think you can see I’m enjoying my football. That’s why I’m playing the way I am.
‘I haven’t given it too much thought but if those talks do happen, it’ll be done quite easily, I’m sure.’
For captain James Tavernier, yesterday’s outcome carried additional personal significance. He was the only Rangers player to have featured in all six of those Hampden failures.
‘We haven’t had the greatest record in semi-finals since I have been here but a club like Rangers needs to be in finals and competing for trophies,’ said Tavernier.
‘We knew at the start of the season we needed consistency. I think we have shown it so far.
‘It is the level of performance the boys are putting in. That is what the gaffer demands and everyone delivered today.
‘Obviously, the new lads who came in, that’s what they were brought in to do, to take this club to finals and they have done that.
‘Everybody wants to win a cup. The lads in that changing room all want it. But we will concentrate on the Europa League and the league before the final.’