Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill says a return for captain Steven Davis depends on how long he remains interim manager at Rangers.
Davis took over at Ibrox after Michael Beale was fired. Davis is poised to miss the rest of the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign due to injury.
“It will be determined by how long he’s in that position,” O’Neill stated.
“You can’t be both a player and a manager at Rangers.” I’ll talk to him during the international break.”
He continued: “The days of that type of dual role are long gone and Steven knows it’s just not doable.”
Davis has the most caps for Northern Ireland, but a nasty knee injury has kept the Rangers midfielder out for the previous ten months.
Northern Ireland has only three points from six qualifiers as they prepare for this month’s Group H qualifiers at Windsor Park against San Marino and Slovenia.
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Davis replaces Beale as interim manager of the Rangers.
O’Neill hopes Davis will return to international duty and believes he will be successful as Rangers’ temporary manager.
“I’d love to see him back playing international football, and I don’t think Steven’s career – at club or international level – should end with a knee injury,” former Stoke City boss Martin O’Neill remarked.
“That would be very unfair to him, but that’s something we can talk about later.” That depends on how long he’s the Rangers’ [interim] manager.
“To be honest, I was surprised, but in a good way,” Davis said of his appointment as interim manager of the Rangers. It demonstrates how highly Steven is regarded within the club, particularly by the board.
“When a manager is fired, there is obviously instability at the club – Steven will bring a certain level of stability simply because of his reputation as a player, his experience with the club, and what he’s done for the club.”
“I believe he has the potential to succeed. He understands the game, contributes a lot of common sense to the role, and is in control of his emotions, which is crucial. I know he’s excited about the challenge.”
O’Neill advises Dallas to manage expectations.
Stuart Dallas is another long-term Northern Ireland absence, having not played since injuring his leg in April of last year.
As Dallas continues his recuperation with the Championship team, O’Neill issued an update.
“The medical team are in regular contact with Stuart – it is good to see him back on the grass,” O’Neill stated.
“I believe we need to manage expectations, which I believe the Leeds medical team attempted to do recently in the media.” There is a difference between being back on the grass and being back in team training, and the two are very different.
“As far as I’m aware, Stuart is not making any contact at this time.” He primarily works with the strength and conditioning team.
“He has spent a significant portion of his rehab period in the gym, which is extremely frustrating for players, so it is always a positive when a player returns to the field.”
“He has had setbacks during that time as well, so hopefully this is now a continuation where they can build him up and he feels good.”
“I don’t want to ask him how he’s feeling every week because I’m sure he doesn’t need it, but we’re in touch.” In terms of this campaign, I don’t see him having any role.”
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