O'Leary predicts bright future for Davis
David O’Leary has predicted midfielder Steven Davis “can go places in the game” as the Northern Ireland international prepares to sign a new long-term contract with the midlands club.
Davis, who has been attracting the interest of Manchester United, is ready to commit himself to Villa for four years in a double-your-money offer of more than £10,000 (€14,800) a week.
Davis, who will be 21 next month, has made a massive impression since being given his full Premiership debut against Tottenham 13 months ago.
He broke into the side initially because of injuries and suspension to Lee Hendrie but has remained a virtual ever present even when everyone has been available.
O’Leary said: “Steven has been on small money and we wanted to try and get the contract up to a decent figure. He has done excellently for us in the past year or so.
“I put him in the team and I want to keep him. To me people like Steven Davis are the long-term future of this football club.
“He is doing marvellously well. He is quiet boy who doesn’t say much. Yes, the lad has got to go and develop and mature a lot more yet but he can go places in the game.
“Sometimes young players can be up and down form-wise when they come into the side, especially in the Premier League, but he has been very consistent.”
Davis admitted: “A lot has happened in a year since making my full debut and I have been enjoying the way things have been going and I’m happy at Villa.
“When I got my chance I was out to impress and give the manager something to think about when he was picking the team and I think I did that. Luckily enough he has played me in quite a few games since then.
“This season I just seemed to get into the side for the first match and luckily enough I have stayed in there and played every game up until a couple of weeks go.
“I have had quite a good run in the side and that helps. It gives you a bit more confidence and I hope I can kick on.”
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