MX23RW : Wednesday, April 24 11:01:37| >> :600:2463169:2463169:

Steven Davis revels in "huge" Northern Ireland achievement

Steven Davis says that he has taken inspiration from Northern Ireland's past captains to help guide his nation to the "huge" achievement of Euro 2016 qualification.

Northern Ireland skipper Steven Davis has admitted that he has taken great pride in leading his country to Euro 2016.

The 30-year-old played a key part for the Green and White Army as they defied the odds to finish top of their qualifying group.

With a place at next summer's finals in the bag, Davis again proved influential when scoring the only goal of the game in Friday night's friendly win over Latvia.

Speaking to club side Southampton's official website prior to that victory at Windsor Park, the midfielder said of Ireland's achievement: "It's huge. If you look back, we've never qualified for the Euros before.

"The last time we qualified for the World Cup was in 1986, so it tells you how difficult it has been. I think I look back at the World Cup captains from before and take inspiration from them.

"[I'm] obviously delighted and very proud to wear the armband. Very proud just to play for Northern Ireland, to lead the team and qualify for the major tournament. I'm really looking forward to leading the team out in France."

Northern Ireland finished one point ahead of Romania in Group F and five clear of third-placed Hungary.

ID:257397: cacheID:257397:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2222:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill after the Euro 2016 Qualifier between Northern Ireland and Faroe Islands at Windsor Park on October 11, 2014
Read Next:
O'Neill pleased to end year with victory
>
Read more about Steven Davis Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal34245582265677
2Liverpool33228375324374
3Manchester CityMan City32227376324473
4Aston Villa34206871502166
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs32186865491660
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle321551269521750
7Manchester UnitedMan Utd32155124748-150
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham34139125463-948
9Chelsea32138116157447
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton321111105250244
11Wolverhampton WanderersWolves33127144653-743
12Fulham34126165054-442
13Bournemouth33119134860-1242
14Crystal Palace3399154256-1436
15Brentford3498175259-735
16Everton33108153448-1430
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3479184260-1826
18Luton TownLuton3467214775-2825
19Burnley3458213769-3223
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3337233188-5716


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!