Southampton and Northern Ireland midfielder Steven Davis has expressed his belief that former club Rangers can be optimistic about their future following a turbulent period in their history.

Rangers were demoted to the bottom tier of Scottish football in 2012 as a result of entering liquidation and have been plagued by off-field issues ever since, despite their steady rise up the league ladder.

However, with Dave King now in charge at the club and Stuart McCall brought in as manager, Davis, who left for Southampton when Rangers plunged into financial difficulties, believes that brighter times are ahead.

"I think it's positive for the club. For any fan it's nice to see with people who obviously have the interest of the club at heart," Davis told reporters.

"Obviously we knew it was going to be a difficult period but I don't think anyone foresaw how hard it was going to be.

"I think Stuart McCall is going to be a really good appointment as well, it was nice to see them get that first win on Sunday. Hopefully they can build on that now and finish the season strongly."

Davis returns to Glasgow with his country this week as Northern Ireland face Scotland in a friendly at Hampden Park.