IT is one thing being a good player, but quite another being a good professional. Stuart McCall understands the distinction - and the importance of it - as well as anyone.

That is why he admires Steven Davis as much and rates him as highly, and why he never doubted that the Northern Irishman would win over his doubters when he returned to Rangers two years ago.

As a player, McCall was part of a successful Ibrox squad that was full of big talents and bigger personalities. As a manager, he valued those that went the extra mile and for whom the team was more important than the individual.

Those qualities sum up what Davis brings to Rangers. Steven Gerrard has reintroduced standards and raised levels from the dugout, but success cannot be achieved without a player and a person like Davis.

McCall said: “It’s easy speaking with hindsight, when Steven Gerrard took over, I thought it was one that was a really good thing because you were getting a leader and someone who would set high standards. He’d run a dressing room at a successful club like Liverpool.

Glasgow Times: Steven Gerrard

“When Steven Davis went in during a January window with Jermain Defoe, I was so delighted both of them joined.

“They didn’t hit the ground running, especially Steven. He hadn’t played a lot of games down south and it took him a while.

"There were question about whether he was the same player that had been at Rangers previously.

“But, thankfully, we’ve seen that he is and you can’t get enough good professionals. Football clubs are only as good as your senior professionals.

“I go back to my Motherwell days when I had Steven Craigan, Keith Lasley and John Sutton. It’s great to have good pros.

“Getting Davis, Defoe and Allan McGregor gives that spine and that basis of a really good and professional dressing room both on the park and for people to look up to.

“Davis has been outstanding. I don’t know why he was so high up the pitch for his bicycle kick in the last game against Celtic.

"When I was getting on a bit, Walter would fine me if I got near the 18-yard box. You’re a sitting midfielder son, get your a**e back there!

Glasgow Times: Steven Davis

“I thought in the last Celtic game Steven would have a big task. Not just in terms of getting it started, but looking after Celtic’s most dangerous player at the time who in my opinion was David Turnbull, who was at No.10.

“He’s a fantastic role model, a great professional and I think his performances this season have been excellent.”

READ MORE: Stuart McCall identifies two key factors behind Steven Gerrard's Rangers success

That moment of magic against Celtic was one of the personal highlights of the campaign for Davis but individual accolades have never been his focus for either club or country.

READ MORE: Rangers midfielder Steven Davis should be 'lauded the same as George Best' and have an airport named after him in Northern Ireland

His fine form this term has seen him rewarded with an extended deal to keep him at Ibrox for another season and there are no signs that age is diminishing his influence.

He still has some time left at the very top and McCall can point to the likes of Gary McAllister, Richard Gough and even himself when it comes to looking at longevity in the game.

McCall said: “Gary Mac, who is assistant, played until he was 40. I played until I was 40. I was in the English Premier League until 38 and then went to Sheffield United.

“If you look after yourself, you can do it and you don’t have to play every game. So much can be about your influence. On the park and in training.

READ MORE: Title 55 means more than anything but can't disguise Steven Gerrard's cup failures

“I gave Stephen Craigan extra year on his deal because of the influence he had on Shaun Hutchinson.

“Not because he’d had a fantastic year, although he’d played well. But it was professionalism and the way he went about his business – the young ones could learn from that.

Glasgow Times: Steven Davis has his sights fixed on next month's play-off final against Slovakia

“And the Rangers people who are in there with Steven Davis can look at how he does everything. It’s a massive bonus that he’s also playing so, so well.

“You need to be lucky with injuries, which are a risk late on in your career.

“But I think big Goughie is an example of another one who played on to 39, 40, showing it can be done.

“It’s a different position on the park, holding midfield. But as long as you get some good legs around you, it can be done.

“What is he now, 37? 36? He’s playing like a 37-year-old, the old bugger! No, I think he’s got more football in him, without a doubt.”

The Premiership medal that Davis will receive at the end of the campaign will mean as much as any achievement in a career that has seen him become a legend for Rangers and Northern Ireland.

And nine-in-a-row hero McCall reckons the midfield maestro deserves to pick up the Player of the Year prize as well after a string of classy and composed showings this term.

McCall said: “Being a midfielder and being ginger, or strawberry blonde, I should say, I would go for Davis.

"Six weeks ago I would have said James Tavernier and he’s been unfortunate that, because of his injury, he’s not been in the forefront of everyone’s mind.

"We don’t know how many goals and assists he might have ended up with, so he would have been a strong contender.

READ MORE: Andy Little pinpoints Ibrox stars who will enjoy 55 celebrations as much as Rangers fans after playing key roles for Steven Gerrard's champions

"Connor Goldson has shown real leadership at the back there and been solid. The defensive record is fantastic.

"In the last month, Alan McGregor’s performances have rocketed. Some of the big saves have been terrific.

"But, when you’ve had such an outstanding season and not lost a game in the league, it’s not harsh to give it to a goalkeeper – but just a bit odd.

"I remember when Andy Goram won it in ’92/93, Coisty had scored about 49 goals!

"I would probably, at this stage, give it to Davis. For his bicycle kick alone."