Davis: We will defy doubters

NORTHERN IRELAND skipper Steven Davis has revealed his motivation to prove the footballing world wrong at Euro 2016.

Michael O’Neill’s stars were written off and told they didn’t have a prayer of getting out of a group with Germany, Poland and Ukraine.

Some critics even predicted O’Neill’s honest grafters wouldn’t manage a single point from their group.

But no-one’s laughing at the men in green now after they bounced back from a narrow opening defeat by Poland to stun Ukraine with a superb 2-0 win in Lyon.

That’s given them a chance of reaching the knockout stage – but they’ll have to defy the odds in Paris on Tuesday to nick a point off Germany in their last group game or at the very least protect their goal difference.

Reaching the last group game with it all to play for was the dream for Southampton star Davi Davis (left) who has always be believed his team-mates d deserve more respect.

The negativity towards t their side has left some of t the Irish stars irritated, es especially after they won the their qualifying group. And as Northern Ireland prepare to face mighty Germany after that win over Ukraine, Davis insists knowing everyone is waiting for them to fall flat is all he needs to stay focused and determined to prove the doubters wrong.

He said: “It would be huge to get through because everyone’s written us off haven’t they? They didn’t expect us to pick up any points let alone qualify, so it’s all motivation for us to go and do well.

“The way we are dismissed frustrates some people more than others. To me, people are entitled to their opinion but I’ve got a belief in the team.

“Some people use it as motivation. You want to go out and perform. You have to enjoy these moments because they don’t come around often.”

Germany can frighten even the world’s top teams with Low boasting a squad of world-class stars.

But far from feeling fear Davis – who has signed a deal until 2019 with Southampton – is optimistic the Irish will rise to the occasion.

“It’s something to look forward to, playing the world champions in Paris in front of a full house again,” said Davis. “If we play to our maximum and they have an off night then who knows. We’ve had an incredible rise in a short space of time and we don’t want the fairytale to end just yet.”