The 39-year-old from Cullybackey retires as the most-capped male British footballer of all time, making 140 appearances for his country and leading them to the Finals of Euro 2016 in France.

Midfielder Davis played in the Premier League for the likes of Aston Villa, Fulham and Southampton, as well as playing for Scottish club Rangers, but was forced to retire after an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in December 2022.

And tributes have already flooded in for the Northern Ireland legend, led by former international team-mate Craigan who took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to hail the midfielder.

“One of the best on and off the pitch. Right up there with the greatest who have represented “Our Wee Country”. Class is permanent #oneofourown,” the ex-defender commented.

Another former team-mate, both with Northern Ireland and Rangers, Andrew Little commented on X: “THE best I ever played with&one of the best I’ve ever known off the pitch. They don’t make them like you anymore, mate. World class yet humble. Young players take note.

“Gutted you weren’t given the chance to bow out properly-club&country should see to that. Enjoy retirement!”

Another former international team-mate, Conor McLaughlin, added: “Words wont do him justice. Definition of a legend as a player and person”

Northern Ireland Women’s captain Marissa Callaghan also paid tribute, posting: “What a player!! Goodluck for the future @StevenDavis8”

Northern Ireland Women’s midfielder Rachel Furness also posted on X: “One of the best to ever wear the shirt. Legend.”

Rangers Women’s player Nicola Docherty tweeted: “Rangers Legend, Only so many get those words and certainly that’s what Steven Davis is.”

Meanwhile, closer to home, Linfield chairman Roy McGivern said: “A fantastic career for club and country and a wonderful ambassador for Northern Ireland. Best wishes for the future @StevenDavis8”

Fellow sportspeople also lined up to give their thoughts on Davis’ impact on the footballing world after he hung up the boots.

Former Ulster and Ireland rugby scrum-half Paul Marshall tweeted: “What a player @StevenDavis8 What a career.”

In the world of politics, tributes also came in on social media as former first minister Arlene Foster simply posted: “Thank you. #GAWA”

“An incredible career comes to an end for Steven Davis MBE. Thank you for your remarkable contribution to football in Northern Ireland. An outstanding professional & role model with such a distinguished career #Legend #GAWA,” tweeted North Down MLA Stephen Dunne.

UUP councillor Stewart Wilson also tweeted: “How lucky were we to experience this man pull on the royal blue of Glasgow Rangers and the green of Northern Ireland.”