Steven Davis and Jonny Evans, two of Northern Ireland’s most distinguished players, are to be presented with a specially commissioned piece of artwork in recognition of their careers in elite international and club football at the very pinnacle of the game.
Davis, who holds the record for the most international appearances for Northern Ireland with 140 caps, has been a central figure in the squad since making his debut in 2005, chiefly as a player and now as part of senior men’s team manager Michael O’Neill’s backroom team.
His influence both on and off the pitch, including his captaincy during the memorable UEFA Euro 2016 campaign, has made him one of the country's sporting icons.
As a player he won four Scottish Premiership titles, three Scottish Cups, three Scottish League Cups, plus runners-ups medals in UEFA Cup and Europa League finals, all with Rangers. He also played for Aston Villa, Fulham and Southampton in the Premier League.
Evans, who has recently retired from club football, ending his glittering career at boyhood club Manchester United, earned 107 caps for Northern Ireland. He made his international debut in 2006 and retired last summer. He played a pivotal role in the Northern Ireland team’s successes over nearly two decades.
He won three Premier League titles, one FA Cup, two League Cups and one Champions League with Manchester United plus one FA Cup with Leicester City. He also played for West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League.
The artworks will be presented to both players in a special ceremony ahead of Northern Ireland’s next home international match against Iceland at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park next Tuesday (10 June).
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill said: “Steven and Jonny are the two names synonymous with the success of the national team over the last two decades.
“Their professionalism, leadership and love of playing for Northern Ireland have always set the standard. It’s only fitting that their contributions are honoured in such a personal and lasting way.”
The bespoke portraits were created for the two centurions by acclaimed Northern Irish artist Marie-Claire Allsopp, whose ‘expressive and emotive style’ has earned her a reputation for capturing the spirit and personality of her subjects.
Known for her work in both traditional and contemporary portraiture, Marie-Claire’s pieces have been widely exhibited and admired across the UK and Ireland.
