For Steven Davis and Northern Ireland, the defeat to Kosovo on Thursday evening was the third disappointment within a week.
The pressure increased on head coach Ian Baraclough with this result – NI’s 13th Nations League fixture without a win – as his dismal record continues. The only hope for him is the emergence and potential of several young players but the Ulstermen continue to look out of shape, hope and form, with Sunday’s game against Cyprus at Windsor Park very firmly in the must win category.
Over the last seven days, Greece won 0-1 in Belfast then it was a 0-0 draw in Larnaca.
For Davis, the game got off to a terrible start with the Rangers midfielder making a rash decision, costing his team a penalty from which the hosts took full advantage to open the scoring.
😬 A disastrous start for Northern Ireland as Steven Davis concedes a penalty which Kosovo's Muriqi converts.
🇽🇰 1-0 Kosovo after 8 minutes.
#KOSNIR pic.twitter.com/uqDorsncqL
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) June 9, 2022
One became two before Shayne Lavery pulled one back ahead of half-time. The Kosovan’s extended their lead before a late rally from NI pulled back a second via Arsenal’s Dan Ballard. The visitors pushed hard but 3-2 was the final scoreline. The last 20 minutes will not paper over the cracks from a GAWA perspective and the responsibility for that lies with Baraclough.
Downer
Former NI striker Iain Dowie was on co-commentary duty for Premier Sports, in their coverage of the game. His comments on Davis’ role in the penalty were a bit too harsh. Yes, the captain was responsible but the following was out of context – as can be heard from the clip above:
“I don’t know what Steven Davis is doing.”
“You can tell now, he thinks he can get there. I’m not being funny, he’s been immense for Northern Ireland but old father time catches up and you look at Rashica, very sharp, he buys the penalty. The worst possible start for Northern Ireland.”
That will be the same Steven Davis who starred in a Europa League Final three weeks ago as well as a Scottish Cup Final just days after that. Enough to earn him the continued trust of Giovanni van Bronckhorst for another 12 months at Ibrox. He will be fine!
Davis would have went into this NI camp in good spirits, having secured his short-term future with that new contract. Unfortunately for him, he has suffered with a ‘step down’ in the levels of those around him, including many young players. Davis will also be unhappy with his own contributions in the last three games, not quite at his usual high standard.
The final game of a long season lies ahead on Sunday, with the 135 times capped skipper almost certain to feature.