The Shirt With: Southampton Captain Steven Davis

SOUTHAMPTON, England- Southampton FC and Ireland captain, Steven Davis, admits his proudest moment in a Southampton jersey was when he led the club against Manchester United FC in the English Football League Cup final at Wembley Stadium in London on  February 26, 2017.

Despite the 3-2 loss to the Red Devils after a fierce battle on the pitch, Davis is proud of the historic occasion that is still  etched on his mind to date.

“This has been my proudest moment in a Southampton shirt. I still wonder  how we failed to win the cup after such a display.

“We came out of the field scratching our heads a little bit, wondering how we didn’t actually end up with the winner’s medal, but it was a very proud moment leading the team out,” underlined Davis who was speaking to ‘The Shirt’ , an ongoing exclusive series on SportPesa online and social media platforms.

It involves engaging players in partner clubs of the leading bookmakers, Everton FC, Southampton FC, Torino FC and the Tigers on what it means to pull on the team jersey in making every opportunity given to them count.

Davis explains that his other honorable moment in the game was when he was handed the captaincy role to lead the team to greater heights. He feels this was justified due to his football career that has stretched for over a decade and a half.

“ I have spent a number of years at the club and this has given me an identity with the team, I know how things are done there,” he underscored.

The former Aston Villa FC player highlights the challenges that come with donning the number eight jersey at Southampton.

“When you put on the the shirt, you feel a great responsibility to steer the team to greater heights. You almost also become a supporter well.

“It’s the same feeling when you originally join a club and you just want to come and make an impact, but as time goes by, you really feel like you are representing  the people every time you go out on the pitch,” he said.

Apart from Southampton and Aston Villa, Davis  has played for Rangers FC of Scotland and at English Premier League side, Fulham FC.

Christmas present

However, the 33 year-old midfielder is quick to admit that his first football jersey would have been a Rangers FC shirt as he grew up loving and supporting the Scottish Professional Football League side that has emerged league and domestic cup champions 54 and 33 times in that order.

 “I  have been a Rangers’ fan since a very young age, my  passion for the team was stirred by a Christmas present I received from Santa,” he  explained.

“It was a risk leaving Rangers at the time. It was also a very difficult decision to make, but coming down and seeing the facilities at St. Mary's gave me hope.

“It was our first season back in the EPL, but there was a plan in place to progress the club. A lot has happened since then and I’m glad to have a great connection with the fans after being here for such a long time.

 “I have played many games which have put me through some of the most memorable moments with the team ,the players and the  fans,” he stated.

STEVEN DAVIS: THE STATS

Appearances: 305

Goals: 17

Goals per match: 0.06

Headed goals: 1

Goals with right foot: 8

Goals with left foot: 3

Penalties scored: 0

Free kicks scored: 0

Shots: 176

Shots on target: 44

Assists: 19

Passes: 10,534

Passes per match: 34.54

Big chances created: 27

Crosses: 558

Cross accuracy: 28 per cent

Through balls: 72

Accurate long balls: 613

Hit woodwork: 4

Big chances missed: 12