Ian Baraclough has rubbished suggestions Steven Davis is set to quit international duty to focus on his club career.
Rumours were rife after the Rangers star pulled out of Wednesday night's game against Romania but Baraclough insists he is committed to the World Cup qualifying campaign.
Davis left the squad on Tuesday with a Northern Ireland statement revealing 'personal reasons' had forced him out.
That sparked the whispers that he was about to quit international duty after missing out on the European Championships next summer.
But after becoming the country's most capped player ever, Baraclough insists it's not true.
He told Sky Sports: “The only people that have mentioned stuff like that is guys like yourself in the media. There’s where the speculation is coming from.
“All the conversations I have had with everyone in the group is very positive. The World Cup starts in March and it will be over in nine months.
“It’s the quickest, shortest qualification period that there ever has been.
“We’ve been involved in two play-offs now for major competitions and fell at the final hurdle.
“There is still a hunger from the lads and the senior lads are there at the front driving it on.
“So no, I don’t see anything that tells me that Steven Davis is ready to not play.”
It's unclear whether Davis will be a doubt for Sunday's game between Rangers and Aberdeen as Steven Gerrard's men look to continue their fine start to the season.
If he's not available, it could provide an opportunity for Bongani Zungu to stake a further claim in midfield.
