Michael O'Neill has compared talismanic captain Steven Davis to Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo when it comes to international football.
Rangers midfielder Davis made a late cameo for Northern Ireland against Luxembourg on Thursday night, earning his 112th cap to equal Aaron Hughes' record for an outfield player.
O'Neill joked that Davis "pestered" him all week to get some game time in the friendly game, as he closes in on Pat Jennings' all-time record of 119 appearances.
But the Northern Ireland boss also heaped praise on the 34-year-old midfielder, comparing his commitment to his country to that of Portugal skipper Ronaldo.
The Juventus forward is also 34, and is Portugal's record caps winner (159) and record goalscorer (89).
"Davo pestered me all week to get five minutes against Luxembourg and I eventually wilted under the pressure," O'Neill laughed.
"Any player who gets over 100 caps is a fantastic role model for all international footballers.
"I was watching Cristiano Ronaldo last night and what playing for his country means to him and Steven Davis has to be mentioned in that breath.
"I believe he's going to break Pat Jennings' record. If he does hang up his boots which will hopefully be after I leave this job, he will be remembered very fondly."
Davis admits winning so many caps for his country was a proud moment, and he hopes there are more to come.
"It's huge," he said.
"I haven't given it an awful lot of thought because if we can get out of the group that would be amazing and top the caps.
"I'm very proud to get them and hopefully I've got a few more left in me."
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