Darron Gibson is relishing his return to the Ireland set-up & is ready to prove himself to the fans.
“It’s great to be back and I’m enjoying the week, but it feels like I’m starting all over again and I have to prove myself once more to the fans," explained Gibson to reporters at the Irish training camp in Malahide.
The Derry born player admitted it was tough watching from afar the previous games in this qualifying campaign.
"It was tough to stay away, but it was my decision and I stuck to it.
"I felt I should have got the opportunity to play in the Euros, but I am delighted to be back in. Hopefully I’ll get my chance on Friday to show what I can do."
Noel King has stepped into the breach as Ireland manager and Gibson has spoken positively about the Dubliner’s contribution so far.
“Noel knows his stuff. He has worked a lot on tactics and is trying out different formations. The training sessions are brilliant and there is a confident mood in the squad.
"Playing against the Germans is a big test. They will have a lot of the ball and I think we will need to pack the midfield and close the space down. Noel has plans in place."
Darron Gibson's move to Everton has helped to bolster his international credentials, according to Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni.
The 24-year-old Derryman impressed his experienced Italian manager as he shone during Ireland’s 1-0 Euro 2012 warm-up win over Bosnia last Saturday.
And Trapattoni believes the opportunity to play consistently at a top half Premiership club like Everton has transformed the midfielder’s prospects, after his career was in danger of going stale at Manchester United.
Gibson made 15 midfield appearances for David Moyes’ side after joining in January from Old Trafford, and is set to be rewarded with more playing time during next month’s European Championship finals in Poland.
“I think the change of club has been very important for him,” said Trapattoni (above) after former Toffees target Shane Long had sealed victory for 'The Boys In Green'.
“Darron Gibson has other qualities and I complimented him on his performance against Bosnia. That is the Gibson I wish to have.”
Trapattoni also told reporters after the game that he was impressed by Gibson’s vision, and growing maturity in the central midfield role, where he was increasingly effective for the Blues as they surged up the Premier League table in the second half of the season.
Gibson is poised to push Glenn Whelan and Keith Andrews for a central midfield starting place, and his 90 mins against Bosnia is likely to increase that possibility.
Everton have completed the signing of Irish international midfielder Darron Gibson from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee.
The 24-year-old Derry born international joins on a four-and-a-half year deal and will wear the number 4 shirt.
Gibson, whose last appearance for United came in a 5-0 win over Wigan on Boxing Day, will arrive at Finch Farm immediately and could make his debut when the Blues take on Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday.
A product of Manchester United's youth system, Gibson broke through the ranks during the 2005/06 campaign and has since made 60 appearances, scoring 10 goals - many spectacular efforts from long range.
Last season he scored in the Red Devils’ Champions League semi-final defeat of German outfit Schalke, just over a year after another strike helped Sir Alex Ferguson's men overcome giants Bayern Munich in the last eight of the same competition.
Gibson has made seventeen international appearances for Trapattoni’s ‘Boys In Green’ and a move away from Old Trafford was essential for the player, as regular football is a must if he is to feature in the squad for the upcoming European finals in Poland in June.
Seamus Coleman is one of a number of young Irish internationals focused on making the Ireland squad for the Euro 2012 finals in Poland next summer, but all must convince Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni to include them on the European adventure.
The Everton defender is one of a number of players fighting to make Trap’s final 23 man squad for the Group C games against Croatia, Spain and Italy.
The Killybegs born midfielder knows he has to find favour with his international manager before the Euro 2012 squads are named next May.
“The only thing to do now is to play well for your club week in and week out between now and the end of the season and show the manager what you can do,” said the Goodison Park favourite
Meanwhile Trapattoni has challenged James McCarthy to find his voice and force his way into Ireland's squad for the Euro's.
McCarthy put in a man-of-the-match performance for Wigan against Chelsea last Saturday and Trapattoni sent the 21-year-old midfielder a message of congratulations afterwards.
Trap said - "James did well and I sent him a message saying 'bravo'," said Trapattoni. "He answer me also. He can grow very well. But, he is still a little shy. He can play many good balls. But he can call for the ball too. Sometimes, he is free. If he is more vocal, he can improve 30pc more.
"When I was a young player, I played immediately. In the past, James didn't play. But now he's started playing again and that's very, very important because he has a good quality."
And Trapattoni has also warned Darron Gibson that it's in his best interests to seek a new club when the transfer window opens in January.
"I know the way he thinks and this is his intention, I know he wishes to go for this situation but it depends on what agents and his manager will say," Trapattoni said.
"Gibson has great vision and he shoots very well. but in the Wolves game, Manchester United won 4-1 and he was on the bench so it is hard for him."
Although Derry born Gibson is still in Trapattoni's plans, the Italian admits that he will find it hard to select him for next summer's European Championships if he does not start playing more regularly by getting a move away from Old Trafford.
"It is a problem now that he stays on the bench. In one month it is very difficult to recover your condition,"
Derry born Ireland international Darron Gibson has conceded that the time might be right to leave Man United in search of regular first team football with Sunderland as the ‘Black Cats’ close in on signing the midfielder.
Gibson - whose contract expires next summer - is viewed as a ready-made replacement for Jordan Henderson who looks bound for Liverpool with the Ireland international admitting last night he would “love to play for Steve Bruce” should he find himself surplus to requirements at United.
While it’s understood an agreement has been reached between the two clubs on the Gibson transfer, personal terms have yet to be ironed out with each of the player.
However, the attractive prospect of regular first team football under Bruce looks like being the deciding factor in any move for Gibson and the Derry man suggested that it could be the perfect time for him to part ways with his boyhood club.
“It wouldn’t faze me one bit to leave, all I want is what’s best for me,” declared Gibson. “So if the best thing for me is to leave and go somewhere that I’ll play every week then so be it.
“I haven’t sat down with Sir Alex to talk about it but obviously if it comes to me not playing as much as I would like next season then I’ll have to move on. It has come to the stage were I’m nearly 24 and I’m going to have to go somewhere else if I don’t start playing regularly.
“If it comes down to it I just want to go somewhere where it’s right for me”.
“Obviously playing International and Champions League football is going to be a big help to wherever I go. So if I do leave it will be a big help to which ever team I go to and it will obviously be a big help to me too if I’m playing every week.”
Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni believes it is crucial for Darron Gibson to play regular first-team football and has advised him to leave Manchester United.
The Derry born midfielder scored his first international goal in Ireland's 3-0 victory over Wales on Tuesday night, driving home a fantastic long-range effort.
Trapattoni is excited about the 23-year-old's potential but fears his career will not fully lift off while he remains at Old Trafford.
While the Italian can understand why anyone would want to play for such a major club, he feels it is more important for Gibson to get more experience.
Gibson has yet to cement a regular starting spot in the United midfield and often finds himself providing back-up to the other first-choice midfielders.
With competition for places so fierce, Trapattoni feels Gibson should start considering a future elsewhere.
"He can do more. He has a big potential. If I was Gibson I would go to another group where I always play," Trapattoni said on Sky Sports News.
"By doing this you can build your mentality.
"Manchester is Manchester and it is an important club, but sometimes the young players need to play, play and play. It builds confidence."
Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni hailed the performances of his young guns - and one 'old timer' after a convincing and comfortable win over Wales last night.
Trapattoni's side upped the tempo after a tame and goalless first half to power to a 3-0 victory in the opening Carling Nations Cup fixture at the Aviva Stadium.
Superb strikes from Darron Gibson and substitute Keith Fahey sandwiched another effort from the game's outstanding player, Damien Duff, as Gary Speed suffered defeat in his first game as Wales manager.
The goal from veteran Fulham winger Duff was the 31-year-old's first for his country for five years while debutants Ciaran Clark and Seamus Coleman, 21 and 22 respectively, also caught the eye.
Trapattoni said: 'It was a positive result and we deserved it.
'It was important to achieve this with two or three young or new players.
'They played well and showed good personality and they did what I wanted of them.
'Duff also gives the team personality, this is important.
'Players like him are very important at international level and we can win with players like him.'
Ireland now turn their attention to the visit of Macedonia next month as they look to build on their solid start in Group B of Euro 2012 qualifying.
Trapattoni said: 'Macedonia play different football but we have to believe we have the potential.
'Our team is a good team and we can play good football.'
Ireland -- Given, O'Shea (O'Dea 85), St Ledger, Dunne, Clark; Coleman (Fahey 57), Gibson (Wilson 81), Whelan (Green 76), Duff (Keogh 71); Walters, Doyle (Long 45).
Wales -- Hennessey, Eardley (Gunter 45), D Collins, J Collins, Ricketts; King, Vaughan (Ledley 60), Crofts; Church, Earnshaw (Easter 80), Robson-Kanu (Eastwood 67)
Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has named his starting team for the Carling Nations Cup opening game against Wales tomorrow evening.
Trapattonni has confirmed ten of his line-up and has yet to decide between Darron Gibson and Paul Green for the central midfield role alongside Glenn Whelan. There is no starting birth for Stoke's Marc Wilson, however it's clear that he is certainly as capable and versatile in the central midfield position, as any of the three named above.
Stoke City striker Jonathan Walters will make his first senior international start as Kevin Doyle's partner in attack having been introduced as a substitute in the last game against Norway. Shane Long is likely to play some part in the Irish front line during the game and will hope to carry his exceptional recent scoring record for Reading into the Carling Cup game.
As he indicated yesterday, Trapattoni has afforded debut caps to Ciarán Clark and Séamus Coleman.
Ireland:
Shay Given (Manchester City); John O'Shea (Manchester United), Sean St Ledger (Preston NE), Richard Dunne (Aston Villa), Ciaran Clark (Aston Villa); Seamus Coleman (Everton), Glenn Whelan (Stoke City), Paul Green (Derby County) or Darron Gibson (Manchester United); Jonathan Walters (Stoke City), Kevin Doyle (Wolves).
According to reports in today's Daily Mirror, Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier is interested in bringing Manchester United's Darron Gibson to Aston Villa.
The Villa boss is said to be keen on the Derry born Irish midfielder, but would need a major favour from old rival Sir Alex Ferguson to get his man.
Gibson, 23, is a squad player at Old Trafford but Houllier believes he would be a key man in his first XI.
Villa will try to sign Gibson in January, either on loan or on a permanent basis. They believe they may be able to tempt United into loaning him out if it means getting him regular Premier League games and improving his long-term career prospects.
The Ireland international is renowned for having a powerful shot but has yet to develop into a first-team regular at Old Trafford.
Houllier knows he will face a battle to persuade United but the loan option gives him some hope, especially with Gibson still struggling for regular first team games.
Robbie Keane, Richard Dunne and Kevin Doyle will battle it out for the title of senior international player of the year at Sunday's 2010 FAI International Football Awards, it was announced today.
Darron Gibson, Aiden McGeady and Paul McShane have been nominated for the young player award.
The nominees for the International Goal of the Year are Glenn Whelan for his goal against Italy on October 10 last; Liam Lawrence’s strike against Australia in September 2009 and Robbie Keane strike against France in the World Cup play-off in Paris in November.
FULL LIST OF NOMINEES:
International Player of the Year
Robbie Keane
Richard Dunne
Kevin Doyle
International Goal of the Year
Glenn Whelan v Italy (10/10/2009)
Liam Lawrence v South Africa (08/09/2009)
Robbie Keane v France (18/11/2009)
Young International Player of the Year
Darron Gibson (Manchester United)
Aiden McGeady (Celtic)
Paul McShane (Hull City)
U21 International Player of the Year
Owen Garvan (Crystal Palace)
Alan Judge (Blackburn Rovers)
Seamus Coleman (Everton)
Airtricity League of Ireland Player of the Year
Paul Keegan (Bohemians)
Gary Twigg (Shamrock Rovers)
Rafael Cretaro (Bohemians)
U19 International Player of the Year
Lanre Oyebanjo (Histon FC)
Gavin Gunning (Blackburn Rovers)
Conor Clifford (Chelsea)
Under 17 International Player of the Year
Ciaran Gallagher (Finn Harps)
Stephen McDonnell (Dundalk)
Jeff Hendrick (Derby County)
U16 International Player of the Year
Shane Byrne (Leicester City)
John O’Sullivan (Belvedere)
Robert Maloney (St. Joseph Boys)
Senior Women’s International Player of the Year
Stefanie Curtis (Chelsea)
Aine O’Gorman (Peamount)
Niamh Fahy (Arsenal)
The IFA have lost their case with the Court Of Arbitration For Sport in which they were trying to prevent Irish players born in the North Of Ireland from representing Giovanni Trapattoni’s Ireland at international level. Despite FIFA making a number of rulings in favour of players like Derry’s Darron Gibson and Antrim’s Marc Wilson, the IFA took their case to CAS in a last ditch attempt to block Irish citizens from representing their country.
The Football Association of Ireland today (July 30) confirmed that it has won the case taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) by the IFA in relation to Daniel Kearns.
The landmark ruling vindicates the FAI and FIFA position that players born within the island of Ireland are eligible to play for FAI international teams and provides complete and final clarity on the matter.
The Football Association of Ireland delegation which attended the hearing on July 19 in Switzerland was composed of John Delaney, CEO, Michael Cody, Honorary Secretary and Sarah O’Shea, Legal Director. The FAI was represented by Paul Gardiner SC and David Casserly BL. Daniel Kearns was represented by Gary Rice of Beauchamps.
The FAI thanks the many bodies which assisted it in this case including the Irish Government, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport, the Olympic Council of Ireland, the Irish Sports Council, FIFA, UEFA, numerous elected representatives throughout the island of Ireland and many others.
The ruling comes into force with immediate effect and under the terms of the ruling, the IFA will pay all related costs. The FAI would like to take the opportunity to highlight that it has in recent years had good relations with the IFA. Those were maintained throughout this case and will continue into the future.
Welcoming the ruling, FAI Chief Executive John Delaney said;
“Today’s landmark decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport confirms the FIFA and FAI position on player eligibility. The ruling upholds the right of individual choice on this matter for players born north of the border. I would like to thank the many people from all parts of the island who were strongly supportive during this process, and in particular, recognise the determination of Daniel Kearns and his family to uphold his right as an Irish citizen to play for his country.”
Giovanni Trapattoni has named a 28 man squad to take on Argentina in the first international football match in the Aviva Stadium on August 11.
Ireland v Argentina 11th August 2010
Shay Given
Keiren Westwood
Joe Murphy
John O’Shea
Richard Dunne
Sean St Ledger
Greg Cunningham
Kevin Foley
Marc Wilson
Stephen Kelly
Paul McShane
Darren O’Dea
Kevin Kilbane
Keith Andrews
Glenn Whelan
Darron Gibson
Paul Green
Liam Lawrence
Aiden McGeady
Andy Keogh
Damien Duff
Keith Fahey
Keith Treacy
Cillian Sheridan
Robbie Keane
Kevin Doyle
Caleb Folan
Shane Long
Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has announced a list of 23 players, including eight uncapped players, who will take part in a summer training camp in Malahide from 16 to 21 May.Former League of Ireland stars Brian Murphy and Keith Fahey are both included in the squad, as are Sunderland's David Meyler, Derby County's Paul Green and Portsmouth's County Antrim born defender Marc Wilson .
Everton's Derry born defender Shane Duffy, and Wolves duo Kevin Foley and Stephen Ward make up the uncapped contingent.
Giovanni Trapattoni said: 'Training camps are useful for preparation as was proven by the one we held prior to our World Cup qualifying campaign.
'I look forward to working with these new players and learning firsthand what they have to offer as we begin to prepare for the European Championship qualifiers.'
Remaining squad members will join the camp on May 22 to prepare for the forthcoming pair of friendlies against Paraguay and Algeria on May 25 and 28 respectively in the RDS (kick off 7.45pm).
Ireland training camp squad: Keiren Westwood, Joe Murphy, Brian Murphy, Stephen Kelly, Eddie Nolan, Paul McShane, Shane Duffy, Kevin Foley, Stephen Ward, Marc Wilson, Darren O'Dea, Keith Treacy, Darron Gibson, Andy Keogh, James McCarthy, Liam Lawrence, David Meyler, Keith Fahey, Paul Green, Caleb Folan, Leon Best, Shane Long, Anthony Stokes
In a rare interview last year, Darron Gibson touched on a scepticism which he is starting to overcome, a scepticism that every emerging talent at Manchester United must encounter.
"I don't want people looking at me and thinking: 'What is he doing playing?'" said the Derry native. His increasing involvement in the first-team picture at Old Trafford has left that question lingering. Alex Ferguson has faith. The paying public are yet to be fully convinced.
Unlike John O'Shea, who made a high profile emergence into the big time that was aided by an affability with the media at that juncture, Gibson's progression has largely gone unheralded.
Last weekend's slip-up from Chelsea has offered the 22-year-old a chance to join the elite club of Irishmen with Premier League medals which counts Roy Keane, Denis Irwin, Damien Duff, Jeff Kenna and O'Shea as its only members. Given the dearth of players from these shores on the books of the Big Four, he's the only likely contender to join those ranks for the foreseeable future.
It's been a significant season for the midfielder in the sense that he has moved from the periphery towards the inner circle. Enthusiasm at his progression last term was tempered by the reality that he started just one Premier League game -- the dead rubber at Hull on the final day, which he marked with a late 'goal of the season' contender.
This season, aided by the perpetual injuries suffered by Owen Hargreaves and the indifferent form of Michael Carrick and Anderson, Gibson's stock has risen. He has been involved in 14 Premier League matches thus far, one more than the luckless O'Shea who suffered a freak injury in Paris, and been involved in six from the outset. Significantly, he has been entrusted with responsibility by being given the nod for marquee games with Bayern Munich and Manchester City in the last fortnight. Although the former occasion ended in disappointment, he grabbed the opening goal.
"He is getting recognition now and even the players are commenting on how much he has improved," said Ferguson, last week. "That was his sixth goal of the season and you cannot dismiss that.
"It's the kind of contribution we used to get from Paul Scholes. He used to get me to 12 to 14 goals from midfield all the time and we haven't had a player like that for a while."
They are big words to live up to and, judged against those standards, Gibson will always be exposed to flak. Nevertheless, he endured some ridiculously over the top abuse in these parts when he broke into the Irish set-up.
An unconvincing competitive debut against Cyprus earned the wrath of the RTE panel and he has yet to stand out in an Irish jersey looking unsuited by a deep lying role when Ferguson has used him as an attacking midfielder.
Indeed, while Giovanni Trapattoni may be reluctant to tinker with his system, the increasing use of a lone front man at the top level is weighted in favour of Gibson, who, at this stage of his development, is considered a luxury in a four-man midfield.
It's his inability to really impose himself on a game that has given ammunition to his critics. He spent a period on loan with Wolves in 2007/08 and struggled with the demands of the Championship. Team-mates spotted an ability on the training ground which he failed to bring into battle. Similarly, he has dominated matches at reserve level, playing with real assertiveness compared to his outings in the spotlight.
With Ireland he has struggled to find his range and, save for an impressive cameo in Bari last April, his performances have underwhelmed. Surprisingly, for a player with a reputation for his prowess on the ball, he has lacked assurance in possession. Trapattoni was instantly bowled over by his willingness to get involved in a 'B' international with Nottingham Forest where he was a lively presence, but, on occasions, the game has passed him by.
Certainly, his well-being will be central to Ireland's hopes of qualifying for major tournaments in the next decade. Big name players are needed to replace Robbie Keane, Duff and Richard Dunne as they approach their swansong; at this stage, Gibson and the immensely promising Wigan star James McCarthy are the front runners to become the key figures of a new generation.
The nickname 'Moody' suggests that he can be a difficult character, very much a confidence player. However, after becoming a father last year when his girlfriend of four years gave birth to a baby girl, there is evidence of a growing maturity. "I don't really go out any more, I can't be bothered," said Gibson. "It's the same faces and posers all the time."
It's an attitude which will endear him to Ferguson. He awarded Gibson a new three-year deal last year and, with a summer of hectic transfer business anticipated at Old Trafford, he's far more secure than some of his colleagues.
If he adds conviction to the raw materials, then he'll be around for the long haul. A world of opportunity awaits.
Former Northern Ireland manager Brian Hamilton has openly supported the right of players born in the North of Ireland to choose their own international future. Speaking on RTE radio, Hamilton stated that while he would prefer players to play for Northern Ireland, he accepted that players had the right to play for Ireland and that their choice should be respected by the IFA.
Hamilton’s interview echoes those of present Ireland players like Shay Given who has supported the right of Darron Gibson and Marc Wilson to play for Ireland and also echeos the support of people and politicians the length and breadth of the island who accept that Irishmen have the right to represent Ireland, as is reflected in FIFA’s own rules.
The eligibility issue has again reared its head as the IFA continue their campaign to stop young players having the right to represent their country at international level. The IFA have recently brought the issue to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, despite 3 previous rulings from FIFA stating that the existing situation of players born in the 6 counties being able to represent Trapattoni’s Ireland, remains.
Hamilton, who managed Northern Ireland for 5 years during the 1990’s said that he had respected the decisions of players to opt to play for Ireland during his time as a manager & that some players simply wanted to play for Ireland, rather than the North. Hamilton continued that it was their choice, a choice he fully accepted.
In what perhaps could be construed as a criticism of the Present boss of the North’s team, Nigel Worthington, Hamilton said that he only ever did interviews relating to sporting issues when he was manager and left the other issues to those who dealt with those matters. He stated that managers should only be concerned about the football and the players.
Worthington has been very vocal in his support for the IFA’s campaign to stop Irish players representing Ireland and has totally failed to grasp the concept that players like Gibson, Wilson etc.., like a large percentage of football supporters in the North have always supported and followed Ireland and it is totally natural to want to represent your national side, as has been talked about by County Antrim born international Marc Wilson.
Hamilton has also again voiced his support for the concept of an all Ireland football team and said it would be ‘something very special’ to have an all Ireland side in the future.
Hamilton is one of the many former northern Ireland players who have openly supported the formation of an all Ireland team. Both Martin O’Neill and Pat Jennings have spoken of their support for a single team on the island, former greats George Best and Derek Dougan spoke openly of their support and current Celtic caretaker boss Neil Lennon was abused by thousands of Northern Ireland fans at Windsor Park after a press interview in which he supported the formation of an all Ireland team.
Shay Given has backed the FAI's policy of recruiting players born in the North of Ireland who are willing to commit their international future to the Ireland team.
And the Donegal man, who revealed that he was eligible to play for Northern Ireland as his late mother was born in the six counties, says that players should be allowed to make up their own minds on their international futures without being forced into a decision by officials from the IFA.
Given has welcomed the arrival of players like Marc Wilson from Antrim and Shane Duffy from Derry on the scene for Ireland.
"I could have played for Northern Ireland as my mum was from Castlederg in Tyrone, so it's up to the players," says Given, who was born in Lifford, Co Donegal, less than a mile across the border from Stranbane in Tyrone.
"As far as I am aware, it's up to the players to choose who they want to play for and I think it's great they want to pick Ireland," added Given.
Yet again the Irish Football Association is attempting to stop players born in the North of Ireland from having an international career with their country.
They have announced that they have approached the Court of Arbitration for Sport in a bid to stop players born in the North from representing Trapattoni’s Ireland.
In recent years FIFA have found in favour of the FAI on this issue, stating that people born in the North are Irish citizens and so have the right to represent Ireland at international level.
This latest cynical attempt at blocking players representing Ireland is causing outrage within the Nationalist community in the North and is likely to further damage the reputation of the IFA who have long been accused of turning a blind eye to the rapid sectarianism that infested the terraces and stands at Windsor Park throughout the last four decades. Following the death threats and sectarian chanting directed at Neil Lennon a number of years ago and the potential withdrawal of sponsors, the IFA introduced a programme to try and address the sectarian issues, and while it has had some success, the IFA have failed to address the issue of the English anthem and unionist flag being used at international games, despite their pronouncements of creating a neutral environment for supporters.
Speaking to the Irish news yesterday, the FAI’s Director of communications Peter Sherrard said “Our position would be that FIFA have already found in our favour in a number of cases like this and so any appeal against the FAI would effectively be an appeal against FIFA’a previous decisions".
The IFA decision has also prompted a political response from parties representing the Nationalist population in the North. Sinn Fein’s Paul Maskey said yesterday “We are aware of this issue and have, and will continue to support the right of Irish players from all over the 32 counties to play for the Irish team. The association (IFA) has not grasped the view, wishes and rights of players who want to play for the republic. We will continue to raise this at every level to ensure that the ruling made by FIFA is the one that is kept”. The SDLP’s PJ Bradley & Alex Attwood are examining the latest move by the IFA and its Fermanagh representative Tommy Gallagher said yesterday “We are definitely supporting those who wish to play for our Country”.
The Irish Football Association need to understand that for a huge number of football supporters and players in the North, the natural home for our international allegiances will always be at Lansdowne Road and not Windsor Park.
Perhaps the IFA president should take off his orange sash for a moment and listen to the players concerned
Marc Wilson “It’s the best honour you can get to represent your country – it’s always been a dream of mine to play for Ireland”
Darron Gibson “It was unbelievable you know, making the debut for your country. Everyone from Derry wants to play for Ireland. I grew up supporting Ireland, so it was a natural choice for me”
Shane Duffy’s Father "Shane told me it has always been his ambition to play for the Republic of Ireland. I for one can't believe that it is now done and I'm delighted. It's always been his childhood dream to play for the Republic"Another irony of whole eligibility issue is that it didn't stop Nigel Worthington turning the heads of two Manchester United kids, Joe Dudgeon and Oliver Norwood, both of whom played under-age football for England but appear to have chosen the North of Ireland. That's the problem with the IFA's constant spluttering on this issue. They see no problem whatsoever in persuading two English kids to play for the North but lose the plot completely when someone from Derry or Belfast chooses to represent Trapattoni's Ireland. It's a bizarre double standard.
Shane Duffy, the talented teenage Everton centre-half, has decided that his international future lies with Giovanni Trapattoni’s Ireland rather than the North.
The Derry born defender rose to prominence with the 'Toffees' this season when making two appearances for Everton in the Europa League against BATE Borisov and AEK Athens.
Both Duffy and his family are delighted that the issue has now been resolved and he can look forward to following in the footsteps of Derry’s other senior Irish international, Darron Gibson.
"As you can imagine, myself and the rest of the family are thrilled to bits now that he has made his decision," declared Mr. Duffy.
"Shane told me it has always been his ambition to play for the Republic of Ireland. I for one can't believe that it is now done and I'm delighted."
Mr. Duffy claimed that his son's decision was based on furthering his professional career and he remained extremely grateful for the experience and education he gained as part of the N. Ireland underage international set-up.
"It's always been his childhood dream to play for the Republic," added Brian. "He was brought up through the N. Ireland ranks but as time moved on he felt he would benefit more from playing with the Republic.
"Shane holds no ill feelings whatsoever towards N. Ireland and he remains extremely grateful for the experience he gained when playing for the N. Ireland international squad at youth level."
The Football Association of Ireland have since invited the Duffy family as their guests to the forthcoming friendly international against Brazil in Arsenal's Emirates Stadium on Tuesday next, March 2nd.
Mr. Duffy and his family, including Shane, have accepted that invitation and they expect to meet representatives of the FAI including former international and Arsenal legend, Liam Brady who, it's believed has been highly influential in securing the services of the Derry lad.
Derry born Darron Gibson has agreed a new three year deal with Premiership champions Manchester United.
The Ireland international midfielder, who was guest of honour at the recent Tesco Foyle Cup launch in Derry, will remain at Old Trafford until 2012 and admits he can't wait for the start of next season.
"I am very happy to commit my future to United," Gibson told ManUtd.com.
"Last season I enjoyed every opportunity and when I got my chance I wanted to prove what I could do. I hope to continue that this season."
The 21-year-old, who made 14 appearances for Alex Ferguson's men last season, also played a major role in their Carling Cup success over Spurs, at Wembley in February, ended the campaign on a memorable note when he fired home United's winner over Hull City on the final day of the Premiership season.
Gibson has also been an integral part of Giovanni Trapattoni's Ireland squad during the Word Cup qualifying campaign.
The Manchester United manager expects Gibson to play an even bigger part during the 2009/10 season.
"Darron was one of the young players who emerged last season as a United first-team player," Ferguson explained to United's official website.
"His appearance ratio did not really reflect the high regard in which we hold him, as he has constantly worked hard to challenge for a first team spot."
Darron Gibson is relishing his return to the Ireland set-up & is ready to prove himself to the fans.
