Steven Davies will assist Michael O'Neill in this month's friendlies
Steven Davies was a legendary footballer for Northern Ireland and now manager Michael O'Neill is relishing the prospect of having the former Rangers star in his backroom squad.
The 39-year-old retired from the field in January after a serious knee injury kept him out for 12 months. In that time, Davies has managed the Ibrox outfit on an interim basis for two games between Michael Beale and Philippe Clement.
Now, like Sunday Life Sport revealed two months ago, Davies, who won a record 140 caps, has been named in the international training set for friendlies in Romania and Scotland later this month.
O'Neill explained: “I've spoken to Steven a lot about his situation so I knew he was going to make that decision (to retire). I wasn't really sure what his next move was and I think the two games with the Rangers whetted his appetite for that.
“He needs some time to think about the decision he's made and come to terms with it and I feel that playing at international level allows him to do that.
“It's not like he went straight into a club situation and the next thing you're in a manager's schedule which is very demanding.
“He doesn't have a lot of coaching experience, but I don't think that matters. We don't really coach the players, we prepare a team and what he will add is a lot of knowledge. He has more caps than half the team combined. This wisdom can only help.”
O'Neill points out that the Euro 2016 skipper's advice will greatly benefit Northern Ireland's young squad.
“We had Steven with us before the Denmark game (in November) for a couple of days and his opinion on the game is invaluable, as he was as captain when we talked about the squad and certain aspects of how we were going to play. ” he added.
“To see Steven Davies sitting in the hotel and having a coffee with Isaac Price, Shia Charles or Alli McCann, particularly players who have played in his position in midfield, how can they not benefit from that?
“I value his opinion. He has a great view of the game and I think he will add a lot to us.”
