---
title: "Man of the Match Davis sends Northern Ireland to the Euros"
canonical: "https://readsouthampton.com/2015/10/09/man-match-davis-sends-northern-ireland-euros/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Luke Osman"
section: "News"
published: "2015-10-09T07:39:17Z"
modified: "2015-10-09T07:39:17Z"
---

# Man of the Match Davis sends Northern Ireland to the Euros

Steven Davis played a crucial part in Northern Ireland’s qualification for Euro 2016 as he captained his country to a comprehensive 3-1 victory against Greece to secure their place in the European competition for the first time in their history.

The Southampton midfielder scored two vital goals to send his country through to the group stages of Euro 2016 in France, to be played next summer. Before the match, Davis had stated in an interview that the game at hand would be his biggest of his footballing career so far; and he certainly turned up for the occasion.

The first goal for Northern Ireland came from a surging run through the middle from the man himself; Steven Davis. He linked up with Evans in the middle of the park, who then sprayed the ball out wide to Dallas on the wing. Davis showed the desire and the fight to reach the ball and to show his passion for the side by continuing his momentum in the run to just 4 yards from goal, where he tucked the ball into the back of the net to put his country in front and send Winsor Park into an eruption of celebration.

Shortly after the second half had begun, Josh Magennis managed to double Northern Ireland’s advantage and it became clear to all that the nation was about to make history. It was not done just yet however, for Northern Ireland, as just 10 minutes later, captain and man of the match Steven Davis popped up with yet another brilliant goal. Davis managed to lose his marker and fire in a wonderful header past the Greek defence, to make the scoreline 3-0 to Northern Ireland; job done.

![Charles McQuillan/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readsouthampton.com/readsouthampton/2015/10/4918643521.jpg)

It has certainly been a wonderful week for Steven Davis, scoring his first goal for Southampton in two years in a famous victory at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea, and tonight just tops it off for the midfielder.

It seems as though Davis has a knack of picking the right time to put the ball in the back of the net, as tonight, Northern Ireland needed their captain to lead by example; he sure delivered. With top scorer Kyle Lafferty suspended they needed someone to replicate his goals, enter Davis. His goals were his first at International Level since 2011, but they were absolutely crucial, history making ones.

If Davis can continue his incredible form from the last couple of games, and he can carry the confidence he currently possesses into his games for Southampton; Davis could be integral to Southampton for the campaign ahead; reinforcing the wealth of options we have in the midfield.

A week that Steven Davis will never forget, and he has worked exceptionally hard for a night like this; so Southampton fans, and Northern Ireland fans will be very happy with the midfielder.