SAINTS captain Steve Davis hopes to be closer to a first-team outing after playing the full 90 minutes in Northern Ireland’s UEFA Nations League opener.

The midfielder spoke of his frustration at not playing much for Saints this season in the build up to the Group 3 encounter against Bosnia & Herzegovia in Belfast, which Northern Ireland lost 2-1.

“Ultimately it’s frustration, as it is for any player who isn’t playing,” said the 33 year-old midfielder, who made his only appearance of the season in the Carabao Cup win at Brighton two weeks ago.

“That’s the aim every week when you go to training and get yourself ready to play on a Saturday.

“But things in football can change very quickly as well.”

Davis has been an unused substitute in two of Saints’ four Premier League games after recovering from a hamstring injury during the off season but has not played a league match since last April.

“Obviously I am coming off the back of the second half of the season where I was injured but the main focus during the summer and pre-season was getting myself right and fit.

“The body is feeling good and I am ready to go. I know what qualities are needed.”

Davis at least took a big step towards full match fitness in Northern Ireland’s 2-1 defeat at Windsor Park.

Craig Cathcart accepted the blame for the calamitous second goal.

The Watford defender went to head the ball back to Bailey Peacock-Farrell but got it wrong, allowing Elvis Saric to nip in and score.

A Davis corner, flicked on by Cathcart, led to Will Grigg halving the deficit in injury time.