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Curtis Davies: International debut for Sierra Leone at 38 to be 'amazing'

Sierra Leone international Curtis Davies playing football for DerbyGetty Images

Sierra Leone call-up Curtis Davies left Derby after six years in the off-season to fellow League One club Cheltenham

By Ben Miller & Isaac Fanin
BBC Sport Africa

Curtis Davies initially struggled to work out why Sierra Leone's physiotherapist was calling him.

The dependable defender, a Premier League regular this century, had answered an Instagram message requesting the chat, which started on the topic of the experience he has amassed during a 20-year senior club career.

After a six-year spell with Derby County that included captaining the club and winning player of the season in 2022-23, Davies signed a one-year deal in June with Cheltenham Town, who currently prop up English football's third tier.

A Leone Stars manager (Lars-Olof Mattsson) first ed Davies about a potential call-up about 10 years ago when the player, who had won three England Under-21 caps between 2006 and 2007, was with Birmingham.

So it was a surprise when it turned out his international playing services were being sought again.

"I was like, 'You know I'm 38, right">