David Healy issues verdict on Rangers’ Steven Davis’ international future
Former Northern Ireland striker David Healy doesn’t know whether Steven Davis will ever play for his country again after his interim spell as Rangers manager.
Healy suggested Davis has done a good job in his short spell as the boss at Ibrox, despite a demanding atmosphere around the club, after being thrown into the role following Michael Beale’s dismissal.
The Rangers midfielder’s former international teammate then claimed he would like to see him return to the Northern Ireland side, even if it was a one-off game to give him a proper send-off from the fans and players.
Speaking live on Viaplay Sports [14 October], Healy said: “I’ve not spoken to Steve [Davis] as of late regarding this, but I know he has found himself thrown into the hot seat at Ibrox. He’s done pretty well so far in a really demanding culture.
“Do we see him playing for Northern Ireland again? I don’t know. And I’d have to second-guess Steven Davis – someone who’s come through so much on and off the pitch with Northern Ireland.
“It would be great to see him back, even if it is for one game, even a send-off, but Steven will decide that himself.”
Not retiring yet
Despite his off-field role for Rangers in the last couple of weeks, Davis has shown no signs of an impending announcement regarding his retirement from football, or even international football, but there is no doubt he is edging towards the end of his career.
At 38 years old, having suffered a cruciate ligament injury in December 2022, Davis must have considered whether his future in the game lies away from the pitch.
His new-found experience managing a side in the intense atmosphere of Ibrox may have turned his head towards an off-field role in the near future, but that decision will likely be made in due course and isn’t something he will want to rush into.
If his recovery from the long-term injury goes well and he can step back into the side even on a rotational basis, it will then be seen whether he feels like his body can keep up with the intense nature of top-level football.
In other Rangers news, Keith Jackson has claimed Rangers have agreed personal terms with a new boss.