MAURICIO Pochettino likened Steven Davis to “Andreas Iniesta or Xavi” during his time at Saints.

The midfielder joined the club from Rangers in 2012 and played 226 times for the St Mary’s side before returning to Ibrox, initially on loan in January 2019.

Davis, 35, is tonight closing in on becoming Northern Ireland’s most capped player – surpassing Pat Jennings’s haul of 119 appearances.

A number of the midfielder’s former team-mates and managers have sent messages of congratulations to the former Saints club captain.

Pochettino said: "The talent of him I compare to football people like Xavi and Iniesta.

“You put him in the same level as this type of player because of this capacity to play football, be a playmaker, the intelligence to read the game, his capacity to run. I think to compare Christian Eriksen to this type of player too, they make your team better.

"I think how humble he is, that it is the most you can appreciate in a professional. He is a simple guy, a family guy, a good friend and we feel very proud and lucky to have spent time with him. He is a big player and a big person."

Now Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman added: "Big, big hug from me because reaching that number of games is unbelievable.

“You reach that number of caps with quality, discipline and being a team player."

Former Saints team-mate Virgil van Dijk said: “Davo has been exceptional as a pro, but outside the pitch as well he has been a great example to a lot of young Northern Ireland players out there.

“I had the pleasure to play with him at Southampton and I really enjoyed it. A great guy and a top player and well deserved, obviously."

Saints striker Shane Long said: "Congratulations, 120 caps an unbelievable achievement and I'm sure there's many more to come and your legs are still firing."