Northern Ireland v Norway

STEVEN DAVIS

He is also in a position to reflect on captaining Northern Ireland at Euro 2016 - the country’s first march on a major tournament in 30 years. Only four Northern Ireland players have skippered their country at major finals: Danny Blanchflower, Martin O’Neill, Sammy McIlroy and Davis. Elite company and a midfield four to grace any era. So, if someone had told him after his first cap in 2005 that he’d go on to achieve what he has with the national team, would he have believed them? “Certainly not after that Canada game,” he smiled. “It’s been an incredible rollercoaster ride, but hopefully there are still some more chapters to go in that story. “I’ve enjoyed some real highs with Northern Ireland over the past 15 years, but also some difficult moments when we had some big results but struggled for consistency. “Thankfully over the last number of years we have managed to do that and put ourselves in positions to qualify for major tournaments, the pinnacle being Euro 2016.” On potentially eclipsing the legendary Jennings’ haul of 119 caps in the weeks ahead, Davis said: “It is something I never imagined I’d achieve. “From winning my first cap I've always spoken of my pride at playing for Northern Ireland and I think I’ve shown that in my dedication over the years. “Pat is an absolute legend, not only for what he did with Northern Ireland but also football in general, so it would be an incredible personal achievement.” Jennings played at two major finals - the 1982 and 1986 FIFA World Cups - and Davis is keen to add a second tournament to his own CV. Ian Baraclough’s men face Bosnia and Herzegovina in a UEFA Euro 2020 play-off semi-final on 8 October with a potential final looming in November. “It’s a massive carrot for us and Bosnia is a great game to look forward to,” he said. “We know they are a very strong side and it’s going to be difficult, but we also believe we can go there and get a result to take us through to the play-off final. “That’s why the two Nations League games this month are vitally important for the play-off match in Bosnia in terms of preparation and reiterating what makes us a good team.”

Position Midfielder Date Of Birth 01.01.1985 Place Of Birth Ballymena

MIDFIELDER

Height 173cm Weight 72kg

CLUB RECORD

10

SQUAD NO

CLUBS Aston Villa

91 22 12

Fulham

Rangers (loan)

Rangers

140 193

Southampton Rangers (loan)

15 28

Rangers

INTERNATIONAL RECORD

8

SQUAD NO

Debut 09.02.05 v Canada (H) Lost 0-1 Northern Ireland U15 Northern Ireland U16 Northern Ireland U17 Northern Ireland U19 Northern Ireland U21 Northern Ireland U23

Caps 117 Goals 12

8 3 8 8 3 1

19

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