Steve Davis: Milk Cup helped me develop

STEVE Davis has spoken of the pivotal role the Northern Ireland Milk Cup played in the formative years of a career which has seen him rise to playing in the top levels in England and Scotland, as well as at international level.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Jul 2012, 11:00 BST
Steve Davis believes the Northern Ireland Milk Cup played an important role in his development as a player. Picture: Press Eye.Steve Davis believes the Northern Ireland Milk Cup played an important role in his development as a player. Picture: Press Eye.
Steve Davis believes the Northern Ireland Milk Cup played an important role in his development as a player. Picture: Press Eye.

The Cullybackey man, who is currently attempting to finalise a transfer to English Premier League new boys Southampton following the financial meltdown at Glasgow Rangers, played at Junior (under-14) and Premier (under-16) levels for County Antrim, as well as the Elite (under-19) Northern Ireland international team and has fond memories of his participation in the tournament.

In an interview published in the County Antrim Antrim Milk Cup committee’s own programme for the tournament, Davis recalls the build-up to the tournament, for which he was selected after catching the eye of selectors in trials, after impressing for Belfast-based St Andrew’s Boys Club at club level.

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Recalling that he came through “three or four trials”, David admits he was nervous, adding: “You’re obviously wanting to get to the Milk Cup, it’s a big competition, one of the best around and you’re desperate to get there to play.

“We had a decent team but when it came to the Milk Cup tournament, that was a step up.

“In the first year we were there we played Middlesbrough – I think they maybe beat us 2-0 but it was definitely a good experience.

“The Milk Cup was my first experience of training as a group for a period of time and preparing for a tournament.

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“(The second year) I probably felt a bit more prepared in terms of staying away from home at Portrush for those few days – I felt a bit more comfortable.”

Davis admits that playing in the Milk Cup was a tremendous source of pride both to himself and his family.

“It was quite close to where I was from so all the family went down to watch me.

“It was a whole new experience for me and it gets you used to going away and playing in tournaments and what it takes to compete at that level and gets you into your diet and fitness.”

Steve admits he still keeps in touch with the tournament: “Of course, yes, I always like to see what’s happening there.

“It’s a great competition, probably one of the best about for kids to play in.”

Related topics:EnglandScotlandNorthern Ireland