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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Gabriel McKay

Steven Davis in Rangers future clue as Northern Ireland boss says veteran hasn't talked about retirement

Rangers midfielder Steven Davis is expected to be fit to play for Northern Ireland, as Ian Baraclough insists he's had no talks over the veteran's potential retirement.

The 37-year-old has been capped 132 times for his country and has been named in the squad to face Luxembourg and Hungary.

Davis has been battling injury at Rangers and hasn't played since the 3-0 Scottish Cup win over Annan Athletic in February.

But he's expected to be fit for international duty and it seems the former Southampton man has no intention of giving up on his club or international career anytime soon.

Baraclough said: "It's a question that's going to be asked every conference but my conversations with Steven have been no different.

(Getty Images)

"He's looking forward to the two games, looking forward to June. He's looking forward to meeting up with the guys and being part of the squad."

The only issue concerning Davis had been fitness-related after a stop-start campaign at Ibrox.

Baraclough said: "He's had a couple of setbacks, a small calf issue and thigh issue, but I've not been told he won't be fit for us come next week."

Davis has been named in a 25-man squad which also features two new faces in Fleetwood winger Paddy Lane and Sunderland's Trai Hume.

His manager added: "Some people seem to want him to retire, I don't know why he's playing as well as ever.

"At Rangers with the new manager coming and the fact they're winning games of football he's found it difficult to get a regular game at the moment but he's looking forward to coming in."

Leicester defender Jonny Evans is not included due to injury but there are returns for Shayne Lavery, Dion Charles, Daniel Ballard, Matthew Kennedy and Luke Donnelly.

Jordan Jones, Dale Taylor, Jamal Lewis, Conor Washington and Ethan Galbraith are also not involved.

Baraclough's side play in Luxembourg on March 25 before hosting Hungary at Windsor Park four days later.

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