Davis: I'm feeling good
Aston Villa midfielder Steven Davis has admitted his confidence has soared from being picked on merit rather than because of injuries to other players.
The emergence of Davis has been one of the biggest plus points of the campaign for Villa and he has also forced his way into the Northern Ireland squad.
Initially injuries to the likes of Gareth Barry, Thomas Hitzlsperger and Gavin McCann provided an opening for Davis.
But he is now getting the nod from Villa manager David O’Leary even when he has a fuller complement of players to choose from.
Davis said: “It has been a good season for me with breaking into the side.
“I started off as a substitute but I’ve had a good run to the end of the season and I’m looking to keep that going for the last three games.
“The manager is leaving other midfield players out of the side and picking me ahead of them.
“That’s a big confidence booster for me. It’s nice to be in the team on merit and I’m just making the most of it.”
Davis is unfazed by the prospect of even greater competition for places next season with O’Leary set for a summer spending spree.
He said: “If the gaffer is going to bring in a few more players, hopefully I can keep on playing. I want to stay in for every game.
“It’s good that new signings will be coming in this summer with more competition for places but I aim to show I should be chosen by the manager.”
Davis is aware of the need for Villa to finish the season strongly and finish off teams when on top if they are to qualify for Europe.
He said: “We are playing well enough but we are not doing enough to kill off the teams.
“We have been 1-0 up against West Brom and Bolton and in a good position but allowed them both to get back into the game.
“We feel as if we’ve dropped six points recently, if you count the home draw with Charlton as well, but we are still in with a shout.”
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