Steven Davis has been tipped to emulate the great Pat Jennings by becoming only the second Ulsterman to win a century of caps for Northern Ireland.

Jennings won 119 caps for the Irish in his 22-year international career. And, after another fine display by the Aston Villa midfielder for his country in midweek, Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez insists Davis can go on to do the same.

On top of Saturday's 50th start for Villa against Charlton Athletic at The Valley last Saturday, Davis went into Wednesday night's friendly with Estonia on ten caps.

That represents an amazing rate of progress for the lad from Ballymena, who had not started a game even for his club, never mind his country, just 15 months ago.

But the maturity of the 21-year-old midfielder continues to impress. In winning his 11th cap, Davis won words of praise from Sanchez for the way he drove his team on to a 1-0 win.

"Steve just grows and grows after not being on the radar not so long ago," said Sanchez. "At his age, if he avoids injury, Steve could quite easily win 100 caps.

"He has a chance to go on for another ten years at this level if he has the will to do it. And, should he go on to win 100 caps, that would a great achievement."

It was only a year ago that Davis won his first cap in a 1-0 friendly defeat to Canada at Windsor Park. And already he has one special memory of his brief international career.

After the daunting experience of coming on for his second cap with his side already 3-0 down after an hour against England at Old Trafford last March, Davis was part of the Irish team who gained revenge almost six months later in Belfast.

The Old Trafford game finished 4-0 to England.

But Davis helped gain revenge when, along with Villa team-mate Aaron Hughes, Northern Ireland pulled off a real upset by winning 1-0.