Davis Can Bounce Back

Martin O’Neill says that Steven Davis can break back into the team and says ‘it is a learning process’ for the player.

The Villa boss explained on the official site: ‘It’s a learning process. Take my own example many years ago. I came into the Nottingham Forest side many years ago and scored goals in the big division in a side that was struggling. I enjoyed it and the old comment came out about ‘if he’s doing well in a struggling side, imagine how much easier it would be in a good side’. But it doesn’t work like that. It’s sometimes more difficult to play in a side full of quality and sometimes it’s easier to stand out in a team that is struggling if you’re playing well.’

Davis burst onto the scene last season under David O’Leary but has struggled to replicate the form this season, O’Neill added about his experience:

‘The next season proved very difficult for me. That was because you felt that you had achieved something and didn’t want to let anything go by. It wasn’t through lack of trying. Something doesn’t happen for you and the next minute you’ve gone three, four, five games without making a marked contribution and then someone’s taken your place.’

‘But Steven definitely has the ability to play regularly in the side and getting back to what’s he capable of doing and I’m sure he knows that himself. My door is open for anybody, they know that. As a player you are looking at your own game. You’re concerned about yourself where I have to have an overall picture. Unless it’s really important rather than seeking people, my door is open. They might not agree with my judgement but I’m the manager.’