Northern Ireland legend Steve Lomas admits he’s keeping fingers crossed that he hasn’t seen the last of Rangers ace Steven Davis.
The Ibrox veteran has been issued the devastating news his season is over after suffering a serious knee injury - raising fears that the 37-year-old may now decide to hang up his boots. It’s a major blow not only for new Ibrox boss Michael Beale as he looks to re-shape his patch-work line-up but also for his international coach Michael O’Neill, who had recently persuaded his skipper to continue his record-breaking 140-cap career after returning to the Windsor Park post.
Davis is out of contract at Ibrox this summer but Lomas knows this will not be the way he envisioned the curtain coming down on his time at Ibrox. The former St Johnstone boss told Record Sport: “It’s disappointing, not just for Steven but also for Rangers and Northern Ireland.
“I know Michael O’Neill had spoken to Steven and he decided to carry on playing for the international side. A lot will depend on the severity of the injury and whether or not he requires surgery.
“Fingers crossed that’s not the case and Steven does have the option to carry on playing, whether it’s with Rangers or somewhere else. But the fear is that it’s a bad injury that could keep him out for eight to nine months minimum before he can think about coming back.
“Knowing the kind of determined character Steven is, I know he’ll not want this to be the way his career ends. But as I said, a lot of that will be decided by just how bad the injury is.”
Davis has won four Scottish titles across two spells with Gers and was the only man to feature in both of their 2008 and 2022 European finals. Last year, the former Southampton midfielder overtook England legend Peter Shilton to become the UK’s most capped footballer of all time.
Lomas added: “Steven has been very fortunate, he hasn’t had many injuries across his career. To amass 140 caps for Northern Ireland is quite simply amazing, as is the service he’s given.
“Sometimes you’ve got to thank your lucky stars that you’ve made it to 37 without suffering any major setbacks. The fact Steven has made it this far is a testament to his dedication and professionalism.
“But I’m also sure Steven would be the first to admit the finger of fate has been kind to him when it comes to injuries. But looking at Steven’s determination to keep on playing, it would be a sad way for him to finish.”
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