Rangers couldn't have won the league without Steven Davis, coach Michael Beale admits, as he explains the ultimate respect Porto paid to the veteran.
The Northern Ireland international has become the most-capped British player of all time in men's football, surpassing Peter Shilton's record as he won his 126th cap.
And Beale knows that his continued selection for his country is entirely down to form rather than sentiment.
The Englishman insists Rangers couldn't have won the Premiership title without Davis, as he explained how European giants Porto man-marked him out of respect for his ability.
Beale told Rangers TV: "Anyone who has worked with Steven Davis knows he’s low maintenance and high output in terms of around the place. He takes ownership of his development, he leads by example every day.
"He’s just an all round top fella.
"He’s playing some of the best football of his career right now. I knew that when we played Porto last year and they man-marked him. The respect they gave him shows the level he’s playing at.
"When I look at him this season, he’s the elder statesmen of our midfield but I’d say he’s got the youngest legs, which I’d say is a good trait to have at his age.
"He’s been essential this year. The mainstays in midfield have been himself and Glen Kamara, they’ve both been fantastic.
"We wouldn’t have been able to win the league without the form those two have shown.
"At different times Joe (Aribo), Ryan (Jack) and Scott Arfield have been injured. When they have played, they’ve all contributed massively.
"Ryan Jack with his goal against Ross County and Kilmarnock, a fantastic goal. Joe Aribo has had some fantastic goals.
"Scott Arfield earlier in the season driving the team on, remember the goals against Galatasaray and Hibs.
"But the mainstays have been Steven and Glen Kamara and they’ve been outstanding for us this season."
