Steven Davis: Northern Ireland's Frank Lampard?

Frank Davis & Steven Lampard

Since his first appearance against Norwich in November 2004, up to his fourth cap for Northern Ireland in June, Davis has showed a huge talent and hunger.

The Ballymena-born 20-year-old nearly failed to make the grade after rupturing his knee ligament's for the reserves in the 2003/4 season, but he overcame this to make a huge impact on his first start in the victory of Tottenham Hotspur.

Davis went one step further this season with a well-taken goal to cap off a superb start to the 2005/6 season. His physical frame has grown further too since his introduction to the first team and this, coupled with his pace and passing, makes him resemble a young Frank Lampard.

Northern Ireland captain, and now fellow team mate, Aaron Hughes praised Davis last season after he was the only real positive to take from the defeat by Poland, "He played like an experienced campaigner in the middle of the park. He passed the ball well, won his fair share of tackles and showed a great deal of skill when beating their players.

It is tremendous news for Northern Ireland to have a young player like that coming through. If he continues to progress I believe he has the ability to become a great player at international level for us."

If Davis' career continues in the same vain it has begun then he will have no problems in becoming a first team regular (if he's not already) and a firm Villa legend. I, for one, am a huge fan and I wouldn't put it past you being one either.