Steven Davis: Rangers set to make January swoop for Northern Ireland captain

[der Berliner 3,247]

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Steven Davis: Rangers set to make January swoop for Northern Ireland captain

 

By Laure James

October 31 2018

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Rangers are poised to swoop for Steven Davis in January, following months of speculation linking the Northern Ireland captain to his former club.

 

The Southampton midfielder quit Ibrox in a move to St Mary's in 2012 with the aim of reviving his career, yet now is looking north of the border for regular game time - starting with a loan move.

Davis has been repeatedly linked with a return to his boyhood club, which he was careful never once to close the door on, yet persevered with the dream of reigniting his Premier League career.

The 33-year old has, however, become increasingly frustrated with a lack of game time in the English top flight this season, and is yet to start in a league fixture.

In the last campaign, Davis had better luck, playing the number 10 role in a three-man midfield, yet boss Mark Hughes now deploys two defensively-minded central midfielders in Oriol Romeu and Mario Lemina, leaving the Northern Ireland skipper frozen out.

The Gers were keen on securing his return in the summer transfer window, but Hughes couldn't be persuaded to strike a deal.

The Belfast Telegraph now understands plans are under way to bring drifting Davis in under a loan agreement at first, with the option to sign him permanently.

It comes after the creative player's persistent trouble with hamstring and achilles injuries snuffed out an automatic one-year extension on his contract, sparking Rangers into action.

Davis racked up over 200 appearances with Rangers in his four seasons with the club, helping guide them to a Uefa Cup Final in 2008 after he was loaned from Fulham.

Thereafter he became a firm favourite, going on to win three league championships, two Scottish Cups and three League Cups.

Gers boss Steven Gerrard will hope his experience can help sustain a title challenge in the second half of the season, alongside international team-mates Kyle Lafferty and Gareth McAuley.

 

Belfast Telegraph

 

He'd sure add some more creativity to our midfield, who relies far too much on a young loanee from Liverpool. And obviously, Davis will run through brick walls for us, not least against the Scum ... even at his age.

[Frankie 8,150]

A sensible signing in the short term but I'd rather someone younger in the longer term.

[buster. 4,808]

He'll be 34 in January.

 

6 month loan deal perhaps, but not a 2/3 year contract.

[ian1964 10,416]

He is a quality midfield player and I would welcome him back initially on a loan deal no problem, he knows the club inside out and would be an upgrade on any of our current midfield players. His age isn't an issue, however I just hope he is injury free.

[Waltersgotstyle 297]

A man who knows what it takes to beat them across the city and win leagues.... yes please.

[craig 5,198]

Better than anything we currently have, even accounting for his age.  Yes please - Scott Brown would be chasing shadows in an OF game, Davis is a far superior player.

[BlackSocksRedTops 3,478]

As much as I hate our recent history of bringing back ex-players, if Davis is anywhere near the standard of 2/3 years ago, then it makes sense on a short term level. Our team was crying out for a player like Davis on sunday. 

[buster. 4,808]

51 minutes ago, craig said:

Better than anything we currently have, even accounting for his age.  Yes please - Scott Brown would be chasing shadows in an OF game, Davis is a far superior player.

He certainly has been better than anything we currently have but coming up for 34, has he hit 'the wall' ?

 

He's played 6 minutes of League football this season after at least 13 straight seasons of consistently playing.

The obvious question is why can't he get a game for a struggling team this season ?

 

 

Co-incidently, from what I've seen of Broon this season, I think after a couple of good seasons, he's now hit that wall and if Celtic want to move the ball quickly, he'll struggle to get a game. I'd be surprised if they offer him a new contract.

 

 

[MacK1950 2,231]

Even to use him in a similar way way that Liverpool use James Milner for,say 60minutes, should be an option to consider.

[Gonzo79 13,623]

I'd be happy to see us sign him on a 2 year contract.  Exactly the type of player we need.