STEVEN Davis insisted the opportunity to work with Steven Gerrard at Rangers was too good to turn down.

Davis joined the Scottish club on a six-month loan deal having left them to sign for Saints six-and-a-half-years ago.

And the Northern Ireland captain revealed that he was lured back to his boyhood club by the man sat in the dugout.

Daily Echo:

Steven Davis

“He [Gerrard] is an icon for any young player coming up and likewise for myself,” Davis said.

“I’m sure I’ll learn a lot from him and he’s obviously done a fantastic job in the six months he has been here.

“There seems to be a real good camaraderie within the squad and I’m looking forward to getting to know the boys a bit more this week.

“It’s a good introduction for me and then we’ll get back to Scotland and start the games.”

Davis enjoyed a successful spell at Rangers in the four seasons he spent there before he joined Saints.

He was a part of the team that reached the 2008 Uefa Cup final and went onto win a plethora of domestic titles.

The 34-year-old will be expected to come into the team and make an impact along with fellow loanee Jermain Defoe.

Daily Echo:

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard

Rangers are currently level at the top of the Scottish Premier Legaue table with Celtic, although they’ve played a game more than their fierce rivals.

But with Davis spending most of the season out of the Saints first team, and with his contract in its final year, he knew his time on the south coast was coming to an end.

It was then just a case of waiting for the right club to come in for him, but he always had his eye on a return to Ibrox.

Having already trained with his new side, the former Saint admitted his excitement regarding the move.

Davis added: “I’m delighted to be back. 

“It’s been a little while in the making but when I found out the club was interested, this is the one that I wanted to happen.

“I found out there was interest a little while back and talks were ongoing between the two clubs to try and come to a conclusion.

Daily Echo:

Steven Davis celebrates with Jack Stephens and Yan Valery

“And then, when the decision is made, it all happens very quickly; so obviously I’m delighted to get it agreed and I was straight on the flight to get out here.

“It’s great to be back and I am obviously very familiar with the club. I’m sure there will be plenty of faces I recognise as I go along and I’m looking forward to getting back out at Ibrox.”