THERE is no doubting Steven Davis’ contribution on the pitch for Rangers over his two spells, but it’s no surprise to read he is just as classy off it.

The 37-year-old initially joined the Ibrox giants on loan from Fulham in January 2008 before signing on a permanent deal and going on to captain the club.

Fellow Northern Irishman Andy Mitchell progressed through the youth ranks before making his Rangers debut away to Dundee United in March 2012.

Mitchell, who’s now plying his trade back in his homeland for Larne, says lining up alongside his hero was something he’ll forever cherish. He said: “He was an idol of mine growing up.

“The whole Northern Irish contingent, especially Davo was incredible to be around those guys at that time.

“They were top men, top professionals and world-class players in my opinion. I was lucky enough that I was from Northern Ireland and they looked after me.

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“We used to go and play tennis and golf, I was just a kid but they did really look after the Northern Irish boys.

“Davis was one of the first players to walk up to me in the changing room at Tannadice, my number 40 was right beside Davis’ with the captain’s armband.

“He pulled me before the game and he said, ‘Listen, just make sure the first thing you do is good, a simple pass or a first touch, just make it good and you’ll grow into the game and just enjoy it. You’ve been waiting for this moment a long time and working towards it, just go and enjoy yourself.’

“Once I heard it from him it just settled my nerves.

“He was brilliant with me, just being around him every day and sharing a changing room with him, seeing how he trains, how he prepares for games, it was a real learning curve and it was a class education growing up around that.”