Steven Davis Called 'The Greatest Player Northern Ireland Have Had'

Steven Davis has been called the greatest player Northern Ireland have had - with many immediately bringing up George Best.

Davis scored with a lovely heel kick against Luxembourg on Friday to prove age is just a number.

The Rangers midfielder became the most-capped British player of all time last summer and he's showed no signs of slowing down, despite turning 37 in January and already having 133 caps to his name.

Chris Brunt, who played with Northern Ireland captain Davis at international level, told Sky Sports he deserves to be up there as one of the best ever.

"Without a doubt, I think he is probably the greatest we've had," the former West Bromwich Albion midfielder said.

"I know that's a big call considering some of the players we've had in the past in our history. I think his record speaks for himself.

"The number of caps he has the way he conducts himself around the place, the way he conducts himself at his club, the way he looks after himself professionally. He keeps grounding it out doesn't he?"

Everyone's minds will immediately go to former Manchester United winger Best, who was one of the finest players of his generation.

Best made 37 appearances for Northern Ireland between 1964 and 1977, scoring nine times.

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He's regarded as one of the best players to never play at a World Cup and he was surrounded by players who weren't up to his standard.

Brunt then brought up Davis' performance against Italy back in November, which helped Ian Baraclough's side keep a 0-0 draw against the European champions at Windsor Park.

He continued: "The last few games I've watched of the national team, especially the Italy game, it was like he was 25 again the way he covered ground and the way he helped the other lads out.

"The young lads that are coming through as well, having someone like that in the squad to help them along is brilliant. He's a credit to himself and our country."

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Some are furious with Brunt's claims and can't believe he didn't name Best.

One commented: "Better than George Best? You need your head testing son."

A second said: "I dunno, I reckon George Best was a bit better than Steven Davis."

While someone put: "Does he realise George Best played for Northern Ireland?"

Topics: George Best, Northern Ireland

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a journalist for SPORTbible and he has previous experience with Manchester United. He has spoken to some of the biggest names in sport including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, WWE COO Triple H and WWE legend The Undertaker. May or may not do a decent impression of Jamie Carragher.

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