Steven Davis set the tone for us all to become Kings of Lyon against Ukraine at Euro 2016, says Gareth McAuley
Steven Davis’ display against Ukraine in Lyon during Euro 2016 stands out for Gareth McAuley
Former Northern Ireland defender Gareth McAuley celebrates his famous goal against Ukraine during Euro 2016
Steven Davis fends off Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka during Northern Ireland's World Cup 2018 Play-Off
When most think about Steven Davis and Northern Ireland, his goals against Greece to take the country to a first major tournament in 30 years, that pass to set up David Healy’s winner versus England or his record-breaking 140 caps will spring to mind. Not international team-mate Gareth McAuley.
His favourite Davis memory comes from early on against Ukraine in Euro 2016 when the captain set the tone to inspire Michael O’Neill’s men to a famous 2-0 victory, with ‘Big G’ McAuley and Niall McGinn scoring to earn the team the Kings of Lyon mantle.
Announcing his retirement from playing on Thursday at the age of 39, tributes have poured in for ex-Rangers, Southampton, Fulham and Aston Villa midfielder Davis.
McAuley offered his own to British football’s most capped male player, telling Sunday Life Sport: “I don’t know if there are the words to describe how good Davo was for Northern Ireland, how important he was to the team and everything we were doing, but I guess the best way to describe him is vital.
“I can’t think of another word that sums up what he meant to the team on and off the pitch. His drive and his energy and everything that he had epitomised the team.
“There’s been lots said about his goals and his best moments for Northern Ireland but, for me, Davo’s biggest moment was the first few minutes of the Ukraine game in Euro 2016 because he set the tone straightaway and the rest of us followed.
“That will have gone
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