Steven Davis: Mauricio Pochettino says Northern Ireland star was his Andres Iniesta

Former Southampton boss Pochettino leads string of tributes to the skipper as Sky Sports News looks at his stellar international career

 

Mauricio Pochettino says Steven Davis was his Andreas Iniesta or Xavi at Southampton, as the midfielder prepares to become Northern Ireland's most capped player.

The skipper will surpass the record held by Pat Jennings should he make his 120th appearance in the Euro play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo on Thursday night - something his contemporary insists he "deserves".

Ahead of the milestone, Sky Sports News has spoken to a string of his former managers, team-mates, family and friends to report their sentiments towards the 35-year-old, including Jennings, Pochettino, Steven Gerrard and Virgil van Dijk.

And what they describe is a consummate professional, excellent player and genuinely good person... ทีเด็ด 1×2

Pat Jennings: "I spoke to him when he equalled the record. I'm going back to him to say well done for beating my record. He's a lovely lad and a great little player for Northern Ireland. He deserves it. Reaching this number of caps is about being lucky and being consistent. I was lucky with injuries and it's the same with Steven. I wish him and the team all the very best."

Mauricio Pochettino: "The talent of him I compare to football people like Xavi and [Andreas] Iniesta. You put him in the same level as this type of player because of this capacity to play football, be a playmaker, the intelligence to read the game, his capacity to run. I think to compare Christian Eriksen to this type of player too, they make your team better.