---
title: "Davis thanks parents for influence on him as a person"
canonical: "https://readsouthampton.com/2016/01/04/davis-thanks-parents-influence-person/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Luke Osman"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2016-01-04T21:02:20Z"
modified: "2016-01-04T21:02:20Z"
---

# Davis thanks parents for influence on him as a person

Southampton midfielder Steven Davis has recently [revealed](https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/euro2016/steven-davis-my-debt-to-mum-and-dad-34332797.html?) that his hard-working and respectful attitude is solely down to how he was brought up at an early age.

The Northern Ireland captain has enjoyed a hugely successful season so far, helping his country to the monumental achievement of qualifying for Euro 2016 as well as being touted as Southampton’s player of the season so far.

> My mum passed away in 2008 and she was a huge influence on me. She used to love coming and watching me at Windsor Park especially. I felt at the time I wanted to give the goal (against Greece) to her and it was special. Mum was great.

> My mum and dad (David) travelled everywhere with me, taking me to games. I used to play for a team in Belfast (St Andrew’s) 30 miles away, which over in England doesn’t seem a lot but in Northern Ireland it does. My mum and dad were never pushy parents.

![Charles McQuillan/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.cohttps//media.readsouthampton.com/readsouthampton/2016/01/491864338.jpg)

> They always put big importance on my schoolwork. They gave me typically Northern Irish values: ‘always be polite, respect people, work hard, do your best, give it your all and have no regrets’.

With such an attitude to football and life, it comes as no surprise to see Davis so widely appreciated by Saints fans.