Stars of UEFA EURO 2016: Steven Davis

At a glance
Humble and understated off the pitch, Davis lets his feet do the talking on it. A technically gifted midfielder with an eye for the incisive pass, the 31-year-old is widely regarded as Northern Ireland's most influential player. He made his club debut as a teenager for Aston Villa in 2004 before a short spell with Fulham paved the way for a move to Glasgow Rangers. There Davis won three league titles, two Scottish Cups and three Scottish League Cups. He was also named the 2010 SPFA Players' Player of the Year. Davis joined present club Southampton from Rangers in 2012.

• Northern Ireland's EURO 2016 qualifying campaign

International pedigree
Davis made his Northern Ireland debut just a month after his 20th birthday, in a friendly defeat by Canada at Windsor Park in 2005. He also made history when he became his country's youngest ever captain, first wearing the armband – aged 21 years and five months – in a 1-0 friendly loss to Uruguay in the United States in 2006. Now a veteran of the national setup, he scored his eighth international goal – the winner – in November's victory against Latvia in Belfast.

What he offers

Importance for Northern Ireland
Davis is an assured presence who helps set the tone and tempo at the heart of the Northern Ireland midfield. Creative, hard-working and courageous on the ball in tight areas, he embodies everything Michael O'Neill wants from his captain. "Steven takes responsibility on the pitch and drives the team forward," said O'Neill, who appointed the Southampton midfielder his skipper on a permanent basis in 2012.

International career
Debut: Northern Ireland 0-1 Canada, 9 February 2005 (friendly)
Appearances: 79
Goals: 8