Opposition becoming interested in Davis
Aston Villa manager David O’Leary believes midfielder Steven Davis has become a marked man after making such a big impact in his first full season of Barclays Premiership football.
Davis was handed his first-team breakthrough by O’Leary 16 months ago and he has remained in the side ever since and been one of the major pluses in a campaign of under-achievement.
He has also established himself in the Northern Ireland side, playing a major part in the shock win over England in September, and coach Lawrie Sanchez is tipping him to win 100 caps for his country.
But O’Leary knows that opposition players are wising up to the talents of Davis who has scored seven goals this season, a tally only surpassed at the club by Milan Baros and Luke Moore.
And, with the surprise element gone, O’Leary is aware Davis has to combat receiving closer attention by stepping up to a further level.
O’Leary said: “Steven Davis has been excellent for us and the big test with a young player who has done well is whether they can do it again the following season.
“With Steven Davis, he’s finding things a bit harder.
“He’s got himself a reputation where people know he’s a good player and good for Aston Villa.
“It’s like when we assess the opposition, we try to stop them from playing. Now in the same way people are trying to find ways of stopping Steven.
“That’s the next phase for him, how he’s going to deal with someone tracking him. Now he’s got to come through that and take that on because the element of surprise has gone.
“He came through his first half season and again this time he’s done well and it’s been a steady progression but now he’s got to go again.”
