---
title: "Davis – International players show Saints progression"
canonical: "https://readsouthampton.com/2015/11/13/davis-international-players-show-saints-progression/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Daniel Emery"
section: "News"
published: "2015-11-13T17:42:52Z"
modified: "2015-11-13T17:42:52Z"
---

# Davis – International players show Saints progression

Saints midfielder Steven Davis has [spoken to Southampton’s official website](https://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/20151113-steven-davis-southampton-northern-ireland-latvia-2800045.aspx) about how the club’s international call ups are a sign of real progression.

Southampton currently have the majority of their first team squad away on international duty, which, considering they were in League One just six seasons ago. It has been a rapid rise and the improvement from that squad back in League One has been phenomenal.

Steven Davis is one of these players as he is the captain of the Northern Ireland national team. His side face Latvia tonight as they play their first home game since securing qualification to next summer’s European Championships in France.

![Stephen Pond/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readsouthampton.com/readsouthampton/2015/11/492269648.jpg)

The rise that Southampton have had in the Premier League alone has been superb, a seventh place finish last season looks like it could be matched this season with the Saints sitting seventh in the league as it stands.

> It shows the improvement from the squad.

> We’ve had a lot of players come through, even English players who have been given the chance, so it shows the club is doing something right and we’re playing a good brand of football and people are performing and that’s only a good thing.

> Now there’s a minority left here when we go away and it’s great to see everybody getting that experience because it’s a special thing for anyone to play for their country. I know the lads all enjoy it.