MICHAEL O’NEILL has urged Steven Davis to put his Rangers woes behind him as Northern Ireland embark on their Euro 2020 qualification campaign.
Davis, 34, has struggled to make an impact since returning to Ibrox on loan from Southampton in January.
The midfielder has made 11 appearances for the Gers in his second stint at the club - six of those coming off the bench - and his outing in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Kilmarnock was his maiden start since February 16.
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Nevertheless, Davis, capped 107 times, remains Northern Ireland’s captain and boss O’Neill has backed him to recapture his top form in the colours of his country.
"Steven's performances in September, October and November for Northern Ireland were of a high standard so hopefully he will bring that form with him,” said O’Neill.
“Sometimes players need a little bit of time to settle in with their clubs.
"The squad possibly isn't where we would like it in terms of players playing for their clubs but the lads can leave the issues at their clubs behind them and have a positive week.
“A lot of the lads have been spending a lot of time sitting on the bench since the turn of the year so that's frustrating for them and frustrating for me and the scouting team as well. Hopefully they will have a few more minutes in their legs for the games that lie ahead.”
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Northern Ireland kick off their Group C campaign on Thursday when Estonia visit Windsor Park before Belarus visit Belfast three days later.
International giants Germany and Holland complete a daunting section.
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