STEVE DAVIS played against the world's greatest stars in the Premiership.

But the former Aston Villa ace says it simply can't compare to winning trophies with Rangers.

Gers hero Davo knows team-mate Kris Boyd faces the cups-v-cash dilemma as he ponders quitting Ibrox.

Villa are in the race to lure the SPL's greatest-ever goal-scorer away from the champions, as SunSport revealed.

They'd offer him a bumper pay packet and the chance to play against the biggest names in the game.

But Davis has warned Boyd to think twice - because money can't buy the thrills he's savoured with Gers.

He said: "The Premier League is massive. It's the best league in the world in my opinion.

"The quality down there is unbelievable and it is a great stage to play on.

"But at the same time Boydy is in a similar situation to me.

"He has grown up a Rangers fan and is playing for the club he supported. That's a big thing.

"It's also the case here that you get to compete and win trophies. That's a big factor.

"There is still the attraction of the Premiership and everything that comes with it, but the chance to stay at Rangers is a massive thing as well with our fanbase and the chance to win trophies.

"I've got back to enjoying my football since I came up here.

"I've had the chance to win the league and cups as well as playing in the Champions League and the UEFA Cup Final. You can't buy stuff like that and it has been a great experience."

Martin O'Neill leads the Premiership interest in 19-goal Gers hitman Boyd.

Birmingham, West Ham and Hull would also like to lure the 26-year-old to the Premiership.

But Davis insists the grass is NOT always greener on the other side of the border.

He moved to boyhood heroes Gers after failing to nail down a regular place at Villa and Fulham.

He added: "I had a spell at Villa when I broke into the side and did well.

"I played a lot of games in the first couple of seasons but then there was a change of manager.

"Things changed for me and it was time to move on.

"The last couple of years at Rangers have been good for me.

"It is a massive club and, hopefully, Boydy decides to stay here. I know how important a role he plays here. His goals-per-game ratio is unbelievable.

"He is a major player for us and hopefully he can resist the temptation of going south and stay with the club he supports. I know he enjoys it here."

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish is also a big admirer of Davis but the midfielder is determined to stay at Gers - for now at least.

He said: "I'm enjoying my time at Rangers and I'm happy here. As long as I continue to enjoy my football then I'll be happy to stay here.

"At the same time the Premiership is a great league to play in and it might be something I look to at some point down the road."

For now, Davis is focused on today's visit of Hearts as Gers battle on without the crocked Boyd. Kenny Miller, Nacho Novo and Steven Naismith have also been removed from the attack through injury.

And the focus will fall on Davis' Northern Ireland international team-mate Kyle Lafferty to finally come up with the goods.

Walter Smith is ready to pair Lafferty with the versatile Lee McCulloch.

Davis believes a regular run in his preferred position could make the difference for Lafferty.

He insisted: "Kyle is capable of banging them in with both feet.

"It's just a matter of getting a run going.

"With a few goals under his belt he can kick on. I thought that would have been him when he got a couple before Christmas, but he had a couple of injuries. I think that he is more than capable of making a career as a centre forward.

"His favoured position is up front but the form of Kenny and Boydy has kept him out. Now they are out, it gives Kyle a chance to come in and show what he can do.

"He's more natural as a striker and his performances for Northern Ireland have been good over the past couple of years.

"He leads the line well so hopefully he can do the same for Rangers now."

Davis hasn't a goal to his name this season but wants to help fill the scoring gap.

He said: "Obviously, the most important thing is winning.

"I feel I'm contributing in terms of creating for others. But I'd like to chip in with a few before the end of the season.