Southampton’s Kelvin Davis ready to become surprise central figure
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Version 0 of 1. After a couple of seasons combining the role of dressing room senior statesman and back-up goalkeeper, Kelvin Davis’s range of duties at Southampton are unexpectedly set to expand. No longer a bystander following an injury to Fraser Forster, Davis will be a central figure during the final weeks of the season. From the outside, the position of backup goalkeeper could hardly be more frustrating and Davis can speak with authority on the subject having operated as deputy, first to Artur Boruc and then to Fraser Forster, while retaining his position as club captain. In Davis’s view, the job requires professionalism while experience also helps, with ability a given. After standing in impressively when Forster sustained a knee injury in the ninth minute of Saturday’s victory over Burnley, the 38-year-old confirmed his credentials, offering reassurance to manager Ronald Koeman that Forster’s anticipated absence need not hinder his team’s efforts to upset the top four. The circumstances of his return to first team action more than a year after his last appearance were clearly unsettling for Koeman’s side. Forster, whose knee gave way as he made a routine clearance, is now expected to face a lengthy absence. Davis’s mindset must now switch for the remainder of the season. “When you are training and working day in and day out with a guy and a goalkeeper like Fraser, it’s not difficult to be the No2 at all,” said Davis. “You know he is one of the best goalkeepers in the league so you accept your position and understand your role. “Being at the club as long as I have, I’ll carry on doing that supportive role as long as I can. That’s the way I feel. When it comes to goalkeepers, it’s almost a different position. It suits well to have older goalkeepers who understand the game, are willing to work hard during the week, and are available when needed. “I felt it at the time when he was coming off the pitch: ‘that’s not how you want your opportunity to come’. Stepping on to the pitch and hearing the fans was a special moment, and some memories came flooding back of when I was doing it week-in-week-out a few years ago.” Davis saved well from Sam Vokes and Danny Ings either side of Shane Long’s opening goal in the 37th minute. Burnley were unfortunate to be trailing at half-time but after Jason Shackell unwittingly diverted Ryan Bertrand’s left-wing cross into his own goal just short of the hour, the home side were able to see out the game with their lead intact. Victory ensured Koeman’s side have taken seven points from their past three games. They have recovered from a recent dip at the right time. “We knew we had to win the game to stay amongst it,” said Davis “To come away with the three points on the back of drawing at Chelsea keeps the momentum going.” Burnley are also looking up the table, although in their case it is towards 17th place. Sunderland’s defeat at West Ham means Sean Dyche’s side remain one point from safety and while they left St Mary’s empty-handed, there were grounds for optimism, particularly in the first half. Their next two games will see them face Tottenham and Arsenal at Turf Moor, daunting fixtures for any team, although Dyche remains confident his team is moving in the right direction. “There has to be more than just the outcome of a performance, as in the score,” Dyche said. “It has to be what you are seeing and is it capable of moving forward? Over a season you want to get points. You can’t guarantee them every week. Certainly not at this level. “There are signs. Yet again we’re away from home, we’re down at Southampton and I thought we were terrific first half. We created really good chances. That can be hard enough to do in the Premier League. Let alone take chances and win. There are good signs. Our journey is a different one. It’s only about remaining in the Premier League. Our challenge is to get enough points to do that.” Man of the match Kelvin Davis (Southampton) |