Former Aston Villa midfielder retires aged 39

Former Aston Villa midfielder Steven Davis has retired from the game and will be offered the chance to join Northern Ireland's coaching team under Michael O'Neill, according a report by the Belfast Telegraph.

Davis, who made 140 caps for his country during his career, has called time on his playing days at the age of 39.

The Ballymena-born man played for St Andrews Boys Club as a youngster before linking up with Aston Villa in 2002.

He then rose up through the academy ranks at Villa Park and was a regular for the Midlands club at various youth levels before going on to make 102 appearances for their first-team, scoring nine goals.

Davis left in 2007 and has since gone on to have spells at Fulham, Southampton and Rangers.

He has been tipped to go into management now by his former teammates Warren Feeney, who has said, as per News Letter: "Absolutely (he can succeed in management). He's very respectable and with what he's done in the game why would he not?

"People talk about experience this and experience that, but where do you start? You have to give people a chance and he's one that I'm sure whether it's with Rangers or someone else that will do well.

"When I write my book there will be some stories coming out about him! He typifies Northern Ireland and being the most capped player in the UK says it all.

"He's a very humble boy, a fantastic player with a great family and it was a celebration for me when I heard it.

"He has given everything for his clubs and country and I wish him all the best in the future."