Steven Davis’ pride at chance to match ‘icon’ Pat Jennings

The 35-year-old will make his 119th international appearance when Northern Ireland face Norway at Windsor Park in the Nations League, moving him level with the goalkeeping great whose international career spanned more than two decades between 1964 and 1986.

“It’s hard for me to sum up in words,” the Rangers midfielder said. “There’s been a lot of hard work, dedication, sacrifices, I’ve made to get to this point.

“Every time I pull on the jersey, it’s a really proud moment for me. I could never say it was an aim to get to this point and I’ve been fortunate to have a long international career.

“To match an icon for me and family like Pat is something I will be able to look back on more when I finish playing and be delighted with.”

Davis said he will continue to take each season as it comes with no desire to walk away from the game yet.

“That’s the approach I’ve taken last year, this year,” he said. “I just want to enjoy my football and the here and now and hopefully I’ll still be OK physically when the end of the season comes.

“That’s the approach you’ve got to take and I learnt that from Aaron Hughes and Gareth McAuley, who played until their late 30s, great examples for me to follow.”

Davis has made himself a staple of the Northern Ireland side over the past 15 years - and his influence has been hugely appreciated by new manager Ian Baraclough, set tonight for a first home game as senior boss.

“There are not enough words to be able to describe his achievement,” Baraclough said. “It shows a career of dedication.

“He prepares properly for every training session. People don’t see that behind the scenes and that sets you up to have a career like Steven has had.

“He’s a shining light to the younger lads and I always mentioned him in conversations with my under 21s when I was there.

“If they go and apply themselves right, it gives them a chance to have a career like Davo’s.

“He’s not finished yet, so don’t be finishing him off by any means.

“Hopefully he can lead us to the Euros and bigger things in World Cups, but that’s way down the line.

“It’s great to have him as our captain and leader. Like I say, not enough words.”

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