Steven Davis told dual Rangers role is impossible as Michael O'Neill reveals playing career hopes NOT over

Michael O'Neill has revealed that Steven Davis' playing days may not be over - but the Northern Ireland boss has told the Rangers caretaker he can't do both.

The 38-year-old has been thrust into the dugout on an interim basis after Michael Beale's sacking on Sunday. He leads the team from the side-lines for the first time on Thursday against Aris Limassol in Europa League group stage action but the appointment comes amid the midfielder recovering from a serious knee problem picked up last December.

It's not been confirmed whether or not the Northern Irish legend will put the boots back on again in a professional player capacity but O'Neill has scheduled talks with Davis. Those will centre around how long he's needing to hold the Rangers fort for, with being a player-manager at Ibrox not an option. He said: "You can't do both - you can't be a player/manager at Rangers. I'll chat with him over the international break.

"The days of that type of dual role are long gone and Steven knows it's just not doable. I'd love him back playing international football and I don't think Steven's career - at club or international level - should end with a knee injury. That would be very unfair on him, but that's something we can discuss down the line. I suppose that will depend on how long he's the Rangers [interim] boss.

"I was a little surprised to be honest [Davis becoming Rangers' interim manager], but in a good way. It shows the regard Steven is held in within the club and by the board in particular. In a situation where a manager gets sacked there's obviously instability at the club - Steven will bring a certain level of stability just because of his reputation as a player, his experience with the club, what he's done for the club. I