Northern Ireland v Greece (02/06/2022)

because you never know what it might mean further down the line. “That’s why we have to give it our utmost in all four games this month, starting with Greece. “We want to achieve something in this group but we know the quadruple header is going to be tough for everyone.” The skipper is certain there will be rotation in the team this month and that means the younger players will get a chance to show what they can do. “We’ve got good young players coming through and we’ve seen over the last couple of years some younger lads have been able to come in and nail down places in the side,” he said. “Hopefully it’ ll be a positive couple of weeks together but there are things to take out of the Nations League other than results. “You have to give young players exposure and experience. It’s not always going to click and happen overnight but the more experience they get will stand us in good stead, and I believe we are in a stronger position for doing that in recent years.” Davis is set to win his 135th cap against Greece tonight - and it will be his 65th senior international appearance at Windsor Park. It’s an experience the former Aston Villa and Southampton midfielder will never take for granted. He further explained: “When you’re younger and coming through, you’re buzzing to be around the group but you go through different phases throughout your international career. It’s always special for me. I love pulling on that jersey at home and walking out in our stadium. “The fans have always been amazing with me throughout my whole international career. “As you get a bit older you try to take things in a little bit more than when you’re younger and you start to think a little bit deeper about things like when it might be your last time. “I try to enjoy the moments as much as possible but it is also important to push to get the performances and results to make sure we are going in the right direction.”

GOING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

Davis scored twice, either side of a Josh Magennis goal , to book his side’s seats on the plane to France and it’s a moment in his illustrious career the Rangers man will never forget . “It was such a special night . We’d managed to get ourselves into a really good position before the game and we knew going into that game we’d have a great chance of doing it ,” he said. “We knew what was required but to put on that level of performance and to be so comfortable in the game and be able to enjoy the moment was so special . “It will definitely go down as one of my fondest memories in my career by the time I finish, for sure.” Davis insisted the result and what it meant had a lasting impact on the Northern Ireland players. “Once you get that taste of success you want more. We spoke about it at the time, about trying to hold onto that and trying to push on to put ourselves in that position again,” he said. “The next World Cup campaign is a painful memory but we got so close to going to another major tournament . “But the Euros was an amazing tournament to be involved in. The fans had waited so long to be involved in a major tournament and for us it was a memory we’ ll cherish forever. Football is all about hoping and trying to achieve something together and hopefully we’ ll get to that stage again.” The UEFA Nations League, which kicks off tonight against Greece at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park, provides a second avenue to potentially qualifying for Euro 2024. Up until now Northern Ireland have used the competition to introduce younger players to the squad and Davis believes it has been hugely beneficial , even if results haven’t been what he had hoped for. He pointed out : “I think it took a bit of time for people to understand what the benefit could be in the Nations League, but now we’ve seen it going into these games we know they are important

IRISHFA.COM

15