WORLD CUP: another special night ahead for record-breaking Northern Ireland skipper Davis
Northern Ireland begin their World Cup qualifying campaign tonight (Thursday) with the toughest of openers - away to Italy.
The night promises another landmark for skipper Steven Davis, who has broken a string of records in recent international windows.
His next two appearances will see the 36-year-old equal and then surpass Peter Shilton's British record of 125 caps - though the Rangers midfielder does not want to make much fuss about it.
"It's quite incredible to be in that position where I have that number of caps,'' he said.
"It won't be something I will be thinking about going into the game. It's a byproduct of the match because the most important thing is to try and get off to a positive start in the campaign.
"I don't really know how to sum it up in words. Breaking the Northern Ireland record was huge for me on a personal level but to be able to get the British one that is something I will look back on with great pride, especially when I finish my career.''
Meanwhile, manager Ian Baraclough will make a late decision on whether to risk Jamal Lewis in Thursday's opening World Cup qualifier against Italy.
The Newcastle left-back, one of only three players in the squad to be a Premier League regular, has missed training this week with a groin problem and is now a major doubt to play in Parma.
After the match against Italy, Northern Ireland face the United States in a friendly at Windsor Park on Sunday before Bulgaria visit for another qualifier next Wednesday.
Northern Ireland have travelled to Parma without striker Liam Boyce, who is due to join up with the camp later after the birth of his second child, and also Derry City goalkeeper Nathan Gartside, who has remained in Belfast for medical reasons.
With Boyce absent and Conor Washington out injured, uncapped Accrington striker Dion Charles could get an early taste of action after his first senior call-up, and Baraclough said he was pleased with how the 25-year-old had settled in this week.
"This one is for him to see how the group works, have a look, see where he fits into the group dynamic and hopefully get some game time throughout these next three games,'' he said.
"He only played three times for the under-21s so he hasn't had a great amount of international experience at any level, so it's a great learning curve from him.''