Steven Davis deserves to be compared with Cristiano Ronaldo as he prepares to become Northern Ireland's most capped outfield player of all time, says manager Michael O'Neill.
Davis equalled Aaron Hughes's record of 112 appearances when he came on as a late substitute against Luxembourg on Thursday night, and will set a new mark when he captains his country in Monday's Euro 2020 qualifier with Germany at Windsor Park. Legendary goalkeeper Pat Jennings still has the overall record of 119 caps.
O'Neill paid tribute to Davis's loyalty and commitment, likening the 34-year-old Rangers midfielder to superstar Ronaldo who played and scored for Portugal against Serbia on Saturday night at the same age.
'I think it's a great achievement,' said the Northern Ireland manager. 'He pestered me all week to get five minutes against Luxembourg, and I eventually wilted under the pressure.
'Last night I was watching Cristiano Ronaldo play at 34 years of age for his country and what it means to him, and that's why international football is so special,' said O'Neill. 'Steven deserves to be talked about in that breath because I believe he will go on and break Pat Jennings' record.
'Any player who amasses over a hundred caps at international level, that has played and been available for as long as Steven for every game barring a few that he's missed through injury, is a fantastic role model for all international footballers.
'He is still as effective at this level as he was when I took the job seven years ago. He's had a magnificent career at both club and international level. When he ever does hang up his boots, which hopefully will be after I've left this job, he will rightly be remembered as one of the greatest players we've ever had.'
Bacon-man
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Definitely