Steven Davis up for Rangers comeback challenge as Northern Ireland provide return timeframe hint

Steven Davis has admitted he wants to play for Rangers again despite being ruled out for the season and his contract expiring in the summer.

The Northern Ireland midfielder went under the knife earlier this year after suffering a tear to his ACL during a freak training ground incident just before Christmas. Michael O'Neill, Northern Ireland manager, said he has spoken to the 38-year-old and revealed he has a "real drive" to play again for club and country.

Davis has been warned it could take anywhere from six months to a year before he’s able to resume action. Record Sport reported last month that a deal could be waiting on Davis should he prove his fitness levels to manager Michael Beale. Since Davis' injury Beale has signed Norwich City playmaker Todd Cantwell and Nicolas Raskin from Standard Liege during the window transfer window. Davis is out of contract in the summer as well as fellow midfielder Ryan Jack.

Speaking ahead of Northern Ireland's Euro 2024 qualifiers against San Marino and Finland, O'Neill said: "I speak to Steven regularly and have been to see him on a couple of occasions. I think he has a real drive to play again, that's the most important thing.

"Steven would probably admit he has been pretty fortunate with injuries during his career. He is still playing at the top level at the age of 38, so you have to have certain things go for you. But I know deep down that he wants to come back.

"He wants to play for Rangers again and I know certainly deep down he will want to come back and play for Northern Ireland again. And that has to be his motivation.

"Hopefully we can be in a really good position in the (Euro 2024 qualifying) group, so that come September or October that heightens his motivation to get