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Steven Davis:
Building on
success...
Inspirational skipper Steven Davis reckons a victory tonight can
give Northern Ireland the platform for more success.
During the summer Davis captained his country
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years - when Michael O’Neill’s men reached the
knockout stages after an unforgettable victory
over Ukraine in Lyon.
Qualifying for the World Cup in Russia in 2018
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started their campaign reasonably well with a
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“I think it was a positive to come away from the
Czech Republic, who are still a good side even
though they’ve had a few retirements, with a
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“We know if we are going to do anything then we
need to take maximum points from the games
against San Marino - both home and away,
however it will not be easy.
“The draw in Prague gives us a platform and we
know we can build on this and hopefully we’ll get
back doing what we do best in these next two
games.
“It’s going to be a tough task for us but we’re
coming into these games with expectation more
than hoping and hopefully that’s a positive thing.
“I don’t think there will be added pressure on us
but there should be expectation. There’s a great
feeling among the squad and the fans but there’s
a realism as well.
“We realise it’s going to be a tough group.
Everybody expects Germany to win it. We believe
we can put ourselves in a positive position to
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Davis was one of the standout players in all four
games in France.
The ex-Rangers captain led by example against
Poland, Ukraine, Germany and Wales but insists
the focus has to be on the future.
He added: “The summer was incredible for the
fans and the players and staff.
“Those memories will live with us forever and I’m
proud to have captained that squad.
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