Steven Davis says he was “humbled” to be likened to Barcelona legends Xavi and Iniesta by his former manager Mauricio Pochettino.

With the SPFL title back at Ibrox again, Davis has been one of Rangers' most important players as they secured championship number 55.

Davis' role at the Light Blues has evolved and with Gerrard's team playing free-flowing football, it is little wonder that Davis attracts such high praise.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the Northern Irishman gave some in-depth analysis into his Rangers role and he was also quizzed on being compared to footballing royalty in Xavi and Iniesta.

He said: “It is very humbling hearing that. I loved my experience playing under Mauricio. He was a great coach and I learned a lot from him as well. I had a thoroughly good time under him. 

Glasgow Times:

“It’s obviously nice to hear whenever managers of that ilk speak about you in that manner. 

“Listen, I think any manager I played under would always say I tried to do the right thing and always gave 100 percent but it is nice to hear someone like that speaking about the quality that you’ve shown under them.”

On his current role as a midfield stalwart for Rangers, Davis added: “I've really enjoyed my football this season, some of our results as a team and from an individual point of view. It’s a case of just trying to enjoy the moment and that’s what I’ve tried to do this season.

“My game has changed over the years, what my role in this team is to link defence to midfield and move the ball forward.

“I’m there to give balance when we are attacking too. Whether that’s picking up the second balls and refeeding it to circulate and stay on the front foot, or protect the back four at times as well.

“It’s a role I really enjoy, I think the system at Rangers really suits me from an individual point of view and I’m really enjoying it.

“Just getting those initial passes off and breaking through the pitch. We come up against low blocks in the league, it's about trying to find those passes to attacking players who can make the difference in the games.

Glasgow Times:

“Because we are coming up against teams using low blocks you have to try and find those gaps and try and disrupt their backline. There isn't too much space in behind to play because they are playing a little deeper.”

As well as taking the praise, the Northern Ireland captain also dished out plenty for Gers teammates. He continued: “The forward player’s movement makes up my mind in terms of what I’m going to do with the ball. So when Buff [Morelos] comes short and then spins it is a good opportunity to play in behind where the space is.

“At Rangers we’re blessed with a lot of attacking talent in the forward areas who all bring their own attributes to the game. Kent likes to go in behind and stretch teams. As a midfielder they make up my mind as I said, and I just need to have the ability to find them."

He added: “I’ve been fortunate enough to play with a lot of top quality players. Sadio Mane for example, he always made those runs in behind because of his pace. Some players prefer to come short, come to feet and find those little pockets. Dusan Tadic was very good at that.”

Glasgow Times:

On his Samba-esque rabona against Ross County, Davis said: “It was one hundred percent instinct, it wasn’t planned!

“I think I’ve just seen something and tried to do it, I’m not sure I even remember doing it until people were tagging me in it after the game. It was a nice little bit of skill, I still throw a few in at training so it was nice to see one come off in a game.”