Northern Ireland record cap-holder Davis calls it a day on playing career

Northern Ireland record caps holder Steven Davis admitted a "strange sensation" after announcing his retirement from football.

The 39-year-old scored 13 goals in 140 times appearances for the North – the UK male international caps record – and was first named captain at just 21 by Lawrie Sanchez, going on to wear the armband 82 times.

His double against Greece in October 2015 ensured Northern Ireland's first qualification for a European Championships the following year, where they reached the last 16.

The Ballymena man had earned his 100th cap by 2017 and eclipsed Pat Jennings as the all-time record holder in October 2020.

"It has been an honour and a privilege to represent my country and the people of Northern Ireland - every time I've stepped on to the pitch I've felt a huge amount of pride," Davis said.

"There'll be moments we shared together I'll never forget and that was epitomised with qualification to Euro 2016 and what followed in France.

"The support and connection I've shared with the Green and White Army is something words alone can't describe and I'll always be grateful for. Thank you for the incredible support."

Manager Michael O'Neill said: "Whilst the news of Steven's retirement is a sad day, particularly for football, particularly in Northern Ireland, it is also a time for us to recognise an outstanding player who has had an outstanding career.

"I have known and worked with him for many years and he is a model professional and a wonderful person. His leadership qualities both on and off the pitch have always been evident through both the successful times and also the difficult periods.

"His record of 140 caps, 82 as captain, has set the bar high for current and future generations of Northern Ireland players and he