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Southampton: Davis makes 100th cap as Northern Ireland lose

By Chris Hughes

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - NOVEMBER 09: Steve Davis of Northern Ireland during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier Play-Off first leg between Northern Ireland and Switzerland at Windsor Park on November 9, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - NOVEMBER 09: Steve Davis of Northern Ireland during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier Play-Off first leg between Northern Ireland and Switzerland at Windsor Park on November 9, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) /
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Steven Davis’ special night was spoiled as Switzerland return home with a narrow 1-0 advantage in the World Cup qualification play-off.

Davis becomes just the third Northern Irish player in history to reach the milestone number, sitting behind current international Aaron Hughes and goalkeeper Pat Jennings.

Left-back Ricardo Rodriguez was only scorer on the night, converting a second-half penalty after the referee deemed Corry Evans’ block to be a deliberate handball.

Xherdan Shaqiri’s stinging volley was fired towards the Blackburn man, who kept his arms close to his chest as he spun away from the incoming shot – the ball deflected off the top of his arm and bounced away.

Fans on Twitter have already made their feelings clear regarding referee Ovidiu Hategan, with comparisons being made between his decision last night and the ‘missed’ Thierry Henry handball against the Republic of Ireland several years ago.

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND – NOVEMBER 09: Steve Davis of Northern Ireland and Ricardo Rodriguez of Switzerland during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier Play-Off first leg between Northern Ireland and Switzerland at Windsor Park on November 9, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND – NOVEMBER 09: Steve Davis of Northern Ireland and Ricardo Rodriguez of Switzerland during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier Play-Off first leg between Northern Ireland and Switzerland at Windsor Park on November 9, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) /

The Southampton captain and his side will now have to work extra hard in the reverse fixture, now needing to outscore their opponents in order to qualify for their first World Cup in 31 years.

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Davis will be 38 by the time the 2022 World Cup rolls around, meaning next year’s tournament in Russia could potentially be the midfielder’s last chance to feature in football’s most prestigious tournament.

Playing at the World Cup next year would also provide Davis with the opportunity to become his country’s record appearance holder, with Aaron Hughes unlikely to catch Pat Jennings with the centre-back being five years to Davis’ senior.

In order to catch and overtake the goalkeeper, Davis would need to amass another 20 caps before his retirement.

The return leg has a kick-off time of 5:00 PM this coming Sunday.

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