WORTHINGTON HAILS DAVIS' RANGERS SWITCH

Worthinton - praise for Davis.

Steven Davis has rediscovered his best form thanks to the Rangers factor, according to Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington.

The midfielder looks poised to complete a permanent move to Ibrox following a successful loan period last season when he pitched up in Glasgow from Fulham.

Worthington has seen a remarkable change in Davis - who started his career at Aston Villa - since then.

Davis is likely to be a key player for Northern Ireland in the friendly against Scotland at Hampden Park on Wednesday night.

He has eventually won over Worthington, who took charge of the province 16 months ago.

"I just remember Steve when he got into the first team at Aston Villa, " said the former Norwich boss.

"He was like a breath of fresh air, a bundle of energy and he added something to the team. But when I first took over the squad I did not see the same player.

"He seemed to be low in confidence, lacking in energy and not enjoying his football.

"However when he went to Rangers in the second half of last season he found his confidence and his energy again.

"You can see in his play he is enjoying his football.

"If the move happens I will be delighted for Steve and delighted that one of our players is joining Rangers."

With Aaron Hughes ruled out through injury, Maik Taylor will mark his 68th cap by captaining the side.

The Birmingham goalkeeper last wore the armband in 2006 when Northern Ireland defeated Estonia thanks to a goal from Ivan Sproule.

Worthington said: "Maik deserves it as he is the most experienced player in the group.

"He has been through many situations internationally and club-wise. What we do know is by giving him the armband it won't take away from his performance."

The province are using the fixture as a warm-up game to the opening World Cup qualifier against Slovakia in Bratislava on September 4.

However they have been hit with a raft of withdrawals with Keith Gillespie, George McCartney and Kyle Lafferty joining Hughes on the sidelines.

Taylor remains thrilled with the challenge and said: "This is a massively important game against Scotland with the qualifier so close.

"There is an opportunity for some of the lads to stake a claim for a place as we have several players ruled out.

"With any match against one of the home nations, the players will be right up for it.

"It is such a great fixture leading into the qualifying campaign and we want to put down a marker."