There should be no sense of Steven Davis not being appropriately recognised by supporters of Northern Ireland. There is recurring, audible hero-worshipping of the midfielder when he dons his country’s colours. So there should be; Davis has not only epitomised his nation’s resurgence under Michael O’Neill’s astute guidance, he stands apart from many in this era when international football can appear a nuisance to more than a few of them.
Switzerland’s visit for the first leg of this World Cup play-off marked Davis’s 100th appearance for his country. He is the third player to reach that total for them. The 32-year-old’s career has returned honours with the club he supported, Rangers, and regular appearances in England’s top flight with Southampton. Nonetheless, Davis visibly relishes every game in Northern Ireland colours. It was only reasonable that he received the reward he deserved when leading Northern Ireland towards Euro 2016. Davis is an unlikely perhaps unwilling star, but a star all the same.
Related: Controversial Switzerland penalty puts Northern Ireland behind in play-off
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