STEVEN Davis has the hopes of a nation resting on his shoulders today as he prepares to captain Northern Ireland into their Euro 2016 showdown against ex-Saint Gareth Bale's Wales.

Michael O’Neill’s side had to endure an agonising three-hour wait to see if they’d even qualified for the next stage after finishing third in Group C.

The new 24-team format of the Euros meant that things remained uncertain for Saints man Davis and Co.

However, Turkey’s 2-0 win over Czech Republic meant that Northern Ireland’s Euros fairytale lived to fight another day.

Now, Davis, the Saints midfielder, will lead his countrymen out at the Parc des Princes in Paris in front of fans that are really making the most of their country’s inclusion in a major international tournament for the first time in 30 years.

Legendary Saints manager Lawrie McMenemy, who was manager of Northern Ireland for two years from 1998, will keep a keen eye on his former charges.

The FA Cup 1976-winning manager is a big fan of manager Michael O’Neill and recognises how their team spirit has been aided by fervent support.

“His (O’Neill) managerial career has only taken him to Brechin City and Shamrock Rovers, but his record leading up to the finals was as good as anyone’s and, in reading more about him, he has created a team spirit within his group, which is obvious to see with their efforts on the pitch,” McMenemy wrote in his Daily Echo column.

“They also have an extra strength through the support they get.

“Whilst the Northern Irish supporters might like to have a drink now and again there has been no record of any trouble with them and their warmth and support has certainly come over onto the pitch.”

It won’t be easy for Northern Ireland considering Wales finished above England in Group B and benefit from the brilliant Gareth Bale, the Staplewood Academy graduate.

The Real Madrid man was outstanding through the group stages and is the tournament’s joint-topscorer with Spain’s Alvaro Morata on three goals.

Jose Fonte and Cedric Soares with Portugal are also in last 16 action today as they face an excellent Croatia in Lens.

The Saints duo haven’t appeared for a struggling Portugal side, who squeezed into the knockout stages thanks to three draws in Group F, so far and are likely to watch from the bench once more.

Shane Long, however, will be undoubtedly in the thick of the action for Republic of Ireland as they head into a massively tough tie against hosts France in Lyon.

Long and his Irish counterparts were moments from exiting the competition, but thanks to a late Robbie Brady goal Martin O’Neill’s side managed to stun Italy in a 1-0 win and qualify for the next round.

Saints striker Graziano Pelle and the Azzurri meanwhile finished top of Group E despite that defeat and face fellow big guns Spain on Monday evening at the Stade De France.

Pelle netted one goal as the Antonio Conte’s side beat Belgium 2-0 in their opening match.

Completing the seven-strong group of Saints stars through to the last 16 is Ryan Bertrand and Fraser Forster with England.

England are aiming to put the disappointment of finishing second behind Wales in Group B behind them and face plucky minnows Iceland on Monday night in Nice.