SAINTS midfielder Steven Davis completed a sensational few days last night by captaining Northern Ireland to their first ever European Championship.

The nation has not been seen a major tournament since the 1986 World Cup but that will all change in France next summer after an unforgettable 3-1 victory over Greece in Belfast.

Michael O’Neill’s men knew three points would be enough to make history.

And, when Davis stabbed home Stuart Dallas’ 35th-minute cross, the promised land moved a mighty step closer.

Kilmarnock forward Josh Magennis - a converted goalkeeper who had never scored an international goal before - made it two with a deft header and the inspirational Davis nodded in his second just before the hour mark.

Daily Echo:

Jamie Ward (left) sprays Steven Davis with champagne after Northern Ireland's win

That made it three goals in a week for Davis, after his equaliser in Saints’ remarkable 3-1 Premier League win at Chelsea last Saturday.

That had been his first Saints goal for over 60 league and cup matches.

The midfielder was just a year old when Billy Bingham’s boys went to Mexico and, having described this match as the biggest of his career at his pre-game press conference, he was a fitting figurehead.

''Steven's performance was out of this world. He is a magnificent captain,'' said O'Neill. ''Anyone in the squad will validate that opinion.

''That gives you an indication of the type of player and person he is. He's never been unavailable, never asked for a rest or come off.

"We've come from an era where Northern Ireland players were criticised for not being available at certain times, but in this squad we have real togetherness and spirit.

"For those players who've been through campaign after campaign and been through loads o disappointments - and had a lot of criticism - this is their moment as much as it is mine.

"The likes of Steven, Jonny Evans, Gareth McAuley, Chris Brunt, Aaron Hughes. You couldn't meet better professionals.''

Daily Echo:

Steven Davis celebrates his first of the game against Greece

Davis admitted Northern Ireland were ''desperate'' to guarantee qualification in front of their own fans in Belfast rather than leaving the moment for Sunday's match in Finland.

"It was a magnificent night and we couldn't have asked for it to go any better,'' he said.

"It's a dream come true. We were aware it could have gone to Sunday, we were prepared for that, but we really wanted to get it done tonight.

"No better place to do it in front of our fans who have pushed us all along this campaign.

"If you need motivation for this then there's a problem. I think all the lads were desperate to get ourselves (to France). It's a huge achievement for the squad and the country and we're going to enjoy tonight and then look forward to Sunday."