Michael O'Neill has endorsed Steven Davis' management credentials ahead of his interim stint with Rangers.
The 38-year-old midfielder will take charge of the club for the first time tomorrow as the Ibrox side face Aris Limassol on matchday two of the Europa League group stage.
O'Neill has worked with Davis for several years in the Northern Ireland national team setup. The pair have enjoyed a close relationship during that time. The player has been out injured since December last year, so it has been a while since O'Neill has been able to call upon the country's most capped international player.
But after Michael Beale's departure, O'Neill is backing 'balanced' Davis to restore some pride to Rangers and pick up some positive results for however long he holds the reigns until a permanent successor is appointed by James Bisgrove.
O’Neill said: “I think it shows you the nature of football at this moment in time. It’s great for Steven and shows the high regard he is held in at the club.
“They have turned to him in this situation after making the decision on their manager Michael Beale and I have messaged him to wish him all the best.
“I told him if he needed any help or guidance not to be afraid to pick up the phone, but he will have his own thoughts and hasn’t had much time with the players, particularly with the travel involved going to Cyprus.
“It’s never an easy situation and playing in Europe away from home adds to it all. He has huge experience as a player and he has a lot of common sense. He is emotionally well balanced which is important and that will help him in this situation.
“When you have Steven’s background you have the respect of the players which is important. That won’t last long, it will have a shelf life and he will be judged on how he is as a manager.
“Players change when you leave them out of the team, relationships change and Steven will have to deal with that. He is balanced, never gets too high or low, takes a common sense approach and is not over-emotional but has a steely determination and you see that in his career and recovery from injury at the age of 38.
“He has played under top managers and was part of successful Rangers teams, he will have taken a lot from his time under Walter (Smith) and has a wealth of experience which will hopefully transfer to help him in the role.”
