Rangers star’s international absence explained as manager speaks out

Rangers star Steven Davis will miss Northern Ireland’s upcoming friendlies with Malta and Ukraine next week after being left out of Ian Baraclough’s squad, with the NI boss admitting that the Ibrox veteran “needed a bit of a break” after a huge season for both club and country.

Baraclough’s side take on Malta on Sunday before facing the Ukraine next Thursday but Davis won’t be adding to his British record cap tally as the Rangers man recharges his batteries after playing 49 games at club level with a further 11 appearances in the green and white of his national team.

Baraclough admits “this trip wasn’t for everybody” after giving players the chance to opt out as he explained why his captain wasn’t included in the squad for the double-header next week.

“He has had a busy season, a successful season with European football on top of the domestic stuff, and he just felt he needed a bit of a break and a bit of family time”, Baraclough said, speaking to the Belfast Telegraph.

“I spoke to all the players after the Bulgaria game and said I’m not going to stipulate you must turn up in the summer.

“For many of them, it’s been two seasons back-to-back with no break whatsoever.

“Within a bubble, with all the coverage, restrictions of travel, being away from your families as well for long periods, I realise that this trip wasn’t for everybody.”

Perfect timing for the Rangers star

With 60 games under his belt this season and an even bigger year rapidly approaching as the Gers return to the Champions League and defend their title, the break is perfectly timed for Davis.

While the midfielder will no doubt want to add his his caps tally, the international break could also be the boost Ibrox team-mate Jordan Jones needs.

The winger has spent the second half of the season on loan at Sunderland, failing to help the Black Cats seal a return to the Championship, and now needs to do everything he can to prove he deserves a Rangers future.

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