Steven Davis deserves time to have impact on Rangers: Jimmy Nicholl

Steven Davis has taken over at Rangers on an interim basis

Jimmy Nicholl insists Steven Davis can turn things around at Rangers

Northern Ireland legend Jimmy Nicholl hopes Steven Davis is given time to impress in his role as Rangers interim boss.

Davis says he wants to "get some pride back" after being placed in charge of Rangers after Michael Beale's sacking.

The 38-year-old Northern Ireland captain has had two spells at Ibrox but has not played since sustaining a knee injury late last year.

He will be assisted by former Rangers players Alex Rae and Steven Smith.

A crucial run of games for the Gers starts away to Aris Limassol in the Europa League on Thursday night, followed by a trip to Stephen Robinson’s St Mirren on Sunday.

Northern Ireland assistant boss Nicholl became Graeme Murty's No.2 at Rangers in 2018 and had a brief spell as Ibrox caretaker boss before Steven Gerrard took over at the Glasgow club.

Nicholl, who played for and captained Rangers in the 1980s, said: “I'd like to have seen Rangers give Steven the job until the end of the season. It's really difficult to put him there for a few games, then maybe appoint somebody during the international break.

“Those two games become very difficult for Steven. Listen, everybody knows his reputation in the game. He's a good guy and he has tremendous experience. But there's a difference between standing speaking in a room full of players the way he does with Northern Ireland as captain and speaking as interim manager.

“In that role he's speaking to 11 guys who are playing. But there are subs who aren't happy because they're subs and guys who are sitting in the stand who are definitely not happy. That makes it difficult. So I hope he gets the respect he deserves and I