Southampton club captain Steven Davis has recently spoken about his frustrations about his recent lack of game time on the South Coast.
He has played just 90 minutes of first-team football this season and comments made by the 33-year-old will only increase the strength rumours about an upcoming move away from Southampton.
He also appeared largely as a substitute in 2017/18, although his influence at the end of the campaign was hampered by injury.
Speaking to the Daily Mail ahead of Northern Ireland’s 2-1 defeat against Bosnia, Davis said:
"“Ultimately it’s frustration, as it is for any player who isn’t playing. That’s the aim every week when you go to training and get yourself ready to play on a Saturday. But things in football can change very quickly as well.“Obviously I am coming off the back of the second half of the season where I was injured but the main focus during the summer and pre-season was getting myself right and fit. The body is feeling good and I am ready to go. I know what qualities are needed.”"
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He now seems to be fifth or sixth choice in the group of Central-Midfielders available to Mark Hughes. All of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Mario Lemina, Oriol Romeu, James Ward-Prowse and Stuart Armstrong have had more minutes on the pitch than him so far.
For that reason, it may be that Saints look to move him on in January. A transfer back to former club Rangers was mentioned during the summer and, whilst nothing materialised, it is obvious that Davis has a connection with them still.
It would seem like an upturn in fortunes may be just around the corner for the Ibrox club after the arrival of Steven Gerrard as manager and some decent summer signings. Kyle Lafferty left with Davis in 2012 but returned this summer with a point to prove.
The return of an experienced head like Davis could provide a high quality option for their midfield and someone who knows the club well. It can be argued that his effectiveness in the Saints team has dropped somewhat in the past year, but he could certainly still so a great job for Gerrard’s side.
Agreeing to a move would suit both Saints and him. Turning 34 in January, he isn’t getting any younger and is coming into the final stages of a great career, and will want to have had regular football before a potential last tournament with Northern Ireland at Euro 2020.
He doesn’t seem to fit ideally into formations played by Mark Hughes either. The recent switch to 4-2-3-1 would mean shoehorning him into unnatural Attacking or Defensive midfield roles rather than his natural position as a box-to-box player.
Freeing up a space in the Saints squad would also be beneficial. Players such as Harrison Reed haven’t had the opportunities they deserve and will need assurances in the next year if St Mary’s is going to be where their future lies.
With 221 appearances on the South Coast and being a role model for all, Davis has been a great servant. However, it could be time to part ways sooner rather than later.