Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has heaped praise on Rangers midfielder Steven Davis, once of Villa Park, after his performance in the Europa League on Thursday evening.
Steven Gerrard’s side have been excellent this season and they continued their impressive start in Europe with a 3-3 draw against Portuguese giants Benfica.
An own goal from Diogo Goncalves, plus strikes from Glen Kamara and Alfredo Morelos, had the ‘Gers 3-1 up at one stage before the hosts hit backt to claim a point, and it was the performance of Davis which caught the eye of his former teammate.
The 35-year-old played the full 90 minutes and was rated 7.08 out of 10 by WhoScored.com.
Agbonlahor, who played alongside Davis during his time with Aston Villa, has now looked back on the time they spent together at the club, remembering former manager Martin O’Neill’s apparent snub of the midfielder.
Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor said: “I was in the youth team as Steven broke into the first team at Aston Villa, he was a few years older than me.
“A great player for Aston Villa and unlucky for him when Martin O’Neill came in, he didn’t really fancy him, got rid of him.
“The career he’s had, wow, has been outstanding, he’s got experience, he’s Northern Ireland’s highest every cap holder.
“He might not be able to play every game but Steven Davis is going have that energy, that passion for Rangers – you know he’s a big Rangers fan anyway – so you want them players in your club, especially in the derby games against Celtic.
“You want them players in that love the club and want to get the best out of the team.”
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Davis has been a superb performer for Rangers this season and his performances continue to help Gerrard’s side sit top of the Premiership and progress nicely in Europe.
The 35-year-old is edging towards his final playing days at the top level and Agbonlahor’s comments may evoke a sense of regret that O’Neill was so quick to jettison his fellow Ulsterman during his time at Aston Villa.
