DEAN SHIELS is confident midfielder Steven Davis can be a key man for Rangers for years to come – but doubts whether he will make the move into management.
The 35-year-old has been an integral part of Steven Gerrard’s side once again this term and has committed his future to Ibrox until the end of next season.
Shiels starred alongside Davis for Northern Ireland and is delighted to see him still performing at a high level in the twilight of his career.
Shiels told the fourladshadadream podcast: “You can see the influence that he brings. He brings calmness, he keeps possession, he is smart with the ball.
“Especially in Europe, he has been phenomenal at times when he has helped dictate play, he knows when to keep it and when to force the tempo. He is just an all-round top player and his leadership skills are going to be massive.
“I know he didn’t play there against Kilmarnock but he came back in. When you are looking at leaders and knowing how to win titles, he has been there and done it.
“I have known him all my life and he is a great fella. He is a great option to have an I am sure he is very key for Steven Gerrard and his plans for next season and pushing on.”
While Davis has plenty to focus on at Ibrox in the coming months, Shiels is embarking on the next stage of his career as he looks to move into coaching.
But he has had little encouragement from his compatriot about following a similar path once he hangs up his boots at the end of a glittering career.
Shiels said: “I don’t know. I have been doing my badges for the last two years and I keep telling him that he needs to come and do them with me and he is humming and hawing.
“I’m not sure if he wants to, to be honest. I don’t think he is too keen but when he is finished playing he might look into it a bit more.
“I’m not sure he wants to. I was on to him to do them with me the last couple of years but he hasn’t bothered.
“He has still got loads of time in him yet. He has the attributes, obviously, and he knows the game and he is a good leader so I am sure he will have that option when he finishes.”
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