Michael O'Neill says Steven Davis has a 'real drive' to play for both Rangers and Northern Ireland and that has to be his injury 'motivation'.
The veteran Light Blues midfielder is out for the season after undergoing surgery. His current contract at Ibrox is up in the summer but Michael Beale hasn't refused to rule out a return after seeing a 'glint in his eye' at the training ground. O'Neill hopes his side can be in a really good position in their Euro 2024 qualifying bid the time his skipper regains fitness in a bid to heighten his motivation to return to the fold even more.
The duo are regularly in touch with the 38-year-old holding a burning desire to play again at the highest level for both club and country. The Northern Ireland boss told BBC Sport: "I speak to Steven regularly and have been to see him on a couple of occasions. I think he has a real drive to play again, that's the most important thing.
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"Steven would probably admit he has been pretty fortunate with injuries during his career.
"He is still playing at the top level at the age of 38, so you have to have certain things go for you. But I know deep down that he wants to come back.
"He wants to play for Rangers again and I know certainly deep down he will want to come back and play for Northern Ireland again. And that has to be his motivation.
"Hopefully we can be in a really good position in the [Euro 2024 qualifying] group, so that come September or October that heightens his motivation to get back playing again."
Davis - who has won a UK-record 140 caps - wrote on Instagram back in January: "Not how I envisaged my start to 2023 but 1st step on this new challenge complete. Thank you to the club for getting me the best in the business in Dr Williams and his team to undertake my operation and immediate aftercare.
"There will be ups and downs in the rehab ahead but very grateful for the support and messages I've received since picking up the injury.
"Lucky to have so many great people around me from everyone at the club, friends and family that will help me through the hurdles I'll face moving forward and my wife Tracey who has been amazing and by my side every step.
"Will be supporting the boys off the field and I'm excited to see how things progress for both club & country."
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