Boss Gerrard implores Davis not to make the same mistake he made
Steven Gerrard has advised Steven Davis to play for as long as he can.
The Rangers manager admits he regrets hanging up his boots when he did, and misses performing as a player.
Davis, at 35, is just two months younger than his manager was when he retired.
The Northern Ireland captain has already played 18 times this season, and is back to his best after a slow start to his second spell at Ibrox last term.
Gerrard said: “My advice to him is to play as long as you can.
“As a player who played until 36, I wish I played a little bit longer because you miss it. I certainly did.
“They’re the best days in life. “Coaching and management is nowhere near as good as it, let me tell you.
“I think there was a valid reason for his slow start when he signed in January.
“He hadn’t played much football towards the end of his Southampton stay.
“I don’t think anyone has ever doubted his ability and his quality.
“As a human being, he’s a top man and very professional.
“He’s also really confident at the moment.
“I’m very proud and happy with the all the leaders in the leadership group.
“You look at your Goldsons, your Mc Greg ors, Ar field, Tavernier – all the players that are maybe a little bit older, and have been around a little bit longer.
“They really set the standards for the younger lads to follow. I’m really pleased with them.”
Rangers’ next European destination is Lisbon, where they take on Benfica at the Estadio da Luz on Thursday.
Gerrard’s own experience of playing against The Eagles wasn’t a happy one — he lost both games against them with Liverpool.
He’s hoping to get a positive result now that he’s pitting his wits against Benfica in a management role.
Like Rangers, the Portuguese outfit have a 100% record in the Europa League after beating Lech Poznan 4- 2 and Standard Liege 3-0.
Gerrard expects fireworks when the teams clash on November 5, and it’s an encounter he wants his players to relish.
He said: “We’re playing against a big, major force
in Europe, who have big experience at this level and above, in terms of the Champions League.
“They recruit exceptionally well in certain areas of the world.
“They bring in a lot of talented players and I think you can see that in the way they play.
“We’ ve already started watching Benfica. They’re a good team, with really good, individual players.
“It’s been no surprise they’ve started the group the way they have.
“They’ve come out of Pot One, so naturally they’ll be favourites for the group.
“But what a mouth-watering game for us to go and challenge ourselves in.
“These are the games we want to test ourselves in. It is a game that we’re really looking forward to.
“I look round my squad of players, and I think it’s coming at a good time.
“It’s something for the players to enjoy, challenge themselves and try to get a positive result.”