Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough has repeated fulsome praise for his captain Steven Davis by claiming that Rangers will be envied by clubs across the top leagues in Europe.
Speculation continues on the next move for the veteran midfielder with fresh 12 month terms at Ibrox mooted, amid reported interest from St Mirren and Motherwell, amongst other likely suitors.
At the grand age of 37, time isn’t really on Davis’ side but with his fitness and condition belying his career status, the Northern Ireland legend is about to lead his country into a new campaign. He will be doing that with the full trust as well as confidence of his head coach Ian Baraclough who has insisted that many clubs across the continent would be delighted to still have the services of his leader, as told by Belfast Live:
“I haven’t had conversations with Steven on his contract talks or whether he’s talking to other clubs, but if he is fit and firing – and I think he’s in great shape – I see no reason why he can’t go and sign a new deal for Rangers and have a massive impact next season.”
“There’ll be many managers, whether in the Championship in England or top leagues around Europe, who will be envious that Rangers have the chance to re-sign Steven.”
“He is a top, top player and he shows his quality time and time again. For me, he still has a big part to play for both club and country.”
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For Davis to remain at Ibrox, a few things have to be considered. Firstly, he is an excellent role model and an inspiration to the rest of his dressing room as well as up and coming young prospects, like Alex Lowry and Charlie McCann. As good as that factor is, it is effectively secondary to the fact that he still has plenty to offer on the pitch as outlined by former Motherwell boss Baraclough.
In contrast for Gio van Bronckhorst and Ross Wilson, how many games is Davis likely to play next season and would it stunt the development of the likes of those youth players already mentioned? That can’t be overlooked but in the end it may be that the low cost, zero risk option in Davis has far many pros than cons, as well as allowing more funds to be allocated toward incoming quality with a different profile.
Over the next two weeks Northern Ireland will play Greece at home, followed by Cyprus away then a trip to Kosovo before the return game at Windsor Park against the Cypriots. Expect Davis to be front and centre for the majority of those fixtures.
