Steven Davis has sounded an ominous warning that he is to consider his future as an international player for Northern Ireland off the back of a 3-1 defeat to Greece in Athens on Tuesday night.
On another disappointing night for the team to pile more pressure on beleaguered head coach Ian Baraclough, Davis also experienced mixed fortunes as he had a hand in goals at both ends of the pitch.
The NI legend and current captain was instrumental in the equaliser scored by Shayne Lavery to level the score soon after the Greeks had gone ahead but later he was responsible for ceding possession around the box which resulted in the second goal for the hosts.
The reality of the situation is that Davis is now on borrowed time in terms of playing for his country. Last night was his mammoth 140th appearance for the Ulstermen, a feat that reflects just how much he has given over the years. Now, at the age of 37 and another dismal campaign for the team, the end of a glorious reign is drawing closer.
Davis sounded some words of caution but also spoke of the end to follow when his potential retirement was broached, as reported by the Belfast Telegraph:
“I think it is important to reflect and not make knee jerk decisions.”
“When that day does come it will be very emotional for me, to be honest. Everyone knows how much it means to me playing for Northern Ireland. I think I need to really feel I can still contribute as much as I want to and that has to be shared amongst everybody.”
Impact
‘Davo’ also spoke of his continued rapport with the NI fans as well as the situation with Baraclough but what of his Rangers future then?
He will be 38 as of New Years’ Day in just over three months time and about to enter the last six months of his latest deal at Ibrox. The end of this season would appear to signal the end of the story for Davis as a Rangers player, but that remains to be confirmed.
Of course he can still operate at a high level and has already demonstrated his worth in recent games but there’s no getting away from the stage of his career he is at. He could well play on for another campaign in club football but as the man himself pondered, he will only do that if he still believes he is doing himself justice.