Tonight, Steven Davis will equal Peter Shilton’s British international caps record, with his 125th appearance for Northern Ireland.
It is a fantastic achievement for the national team captain, who spoke of the honour to reach another milestone.
🎥 "It's hard to sum up in words what it would mean to me" 💚 Our captain @StevenDavis8 looks ahead to Italy as another milestone awaits #GAWA pic.twitter.com/fL9fySVFlx
— Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) March 24, 2021
The Cullybackey man was his usual humble, unassuming self when asked what it means to reach 125 caps for his country if he plays tonight, as is almost certain:
“It’s hard to sum up in words what it would mean to me.”
“Certainly, when I retire I can look back on it and really take it what I have achieved.”
“As a young boy you just want to play for your country and now to be in a position of breaking records is just unbelievable.”
“There have been a lot of sacrifices along the way but it will be a great moment if I manage to do it,” said Davis
Fresh from Rangers Scottish Premiership title victory and sealing a 12 month contract extension at Ibrox, the midfielder will be fired up for a very challenging encounter against a talented Italy side with pedigree, managed by former Man CIty boss, Roberto Mancini.
Having his record equalled, Shilton was very happy about the NI veteran going on to set a new marker and he wants to see Davis go on to lead the Ulstermen the the World Cup in Qatar next year.
“For a midfielder in particular to be able to break my record would be a great achievement. I think to get over 100 caps for an outfield player is some achievement and to gain more than that is a testament to his fitness and attitude towards wanting to play.”
“I’m sure he could go on and win many more and hopefully he could finish it off by playing in a World Cup finals.”
Italy host NI in Parma tonight – the game is live on Sky Sports with a 7.45 PM kick-off.
