Gibson's Everton move crucial for Ireland future

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.

Trapattoni names Ireland team for Bosnia clash

Giovanni Trapattoni has named his starting eleven for tomorrow's Euro 2012 warm up game against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Lansdowne Road Dublin.



The team includes a start for Derry winger James McClean, while as expected, Keiren Westwood steps in for the injured Shay Given.





Darron Gibson And Glenn Whelan make up the central midfield pairing while Kevin Doyle will parner Robbie Keane up front.


Keiren Westwood

Paul McShane
Richard Dunne
Sean St. Ledger
Stephen Ward

Damien Duff
Darron Gibson
Glenn Whelan
James McClean

Robbie Keane
Kevin Doyle


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Trapattoni names Ireland Euro 2012 squad

Giovanni Trapattoni has just announced his 23 man squad for the Euro finals in Poland next month.

James McCarthy & Seamus Coleman miss out on squad selection











Shay Given - Aston Villa

David Forde - Millwall

Keiren Westwood - Sunderland




Sean St Ledger - Leicester City

Stephen Kelly - Fulham

Richard Dunne - Aston Villa

Stephen Ward - Wolverhampton Wanderers

John O'Shea - Sunderland

Darren O'Dea - Leeds United

Kevin Foley - Wolverhampton Wanderers




Glenn Whelan - Stoke City

Keith Andrews - West Bromwich Albion

Keith Fahey - Birmingham City

Stephen Hunt - Wolverhampton Wanderers

James McClean - Sunderland

Darren Gibson - Everton

Aiden McGeady - Spartak Moscow

Damien Duff - Fulham






Shane Long - West Bromwich Albion

Robbie Keane - Los Angeles Galaxy

Kevin Doyle - Wolverhampton Wanderers

Simon Cox - West Bromwich Albion

Jon Walters - Stoke City





Standby list - Randolph,Green,Keogh

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It's green for go for James McClean's Ireland international career

James McClean's Ireland international career has been given the green light by FIFA.

The move clears the way for the Derryman to be included in the Ireland squad to be announced by Giovanni Trapattoni tomorrow for the upcoming friendly against the Czech Republic In Lansdowne Road on February 29th.

McClean has taken the premiership by storm since his Sunderland debut three months ago and his eye for goal, dazzling wing play & overall performance has had Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill singing the praises of the young winger.

There had been concerns that the IFA were deliberately holding up his paperwork, however the paperwork has now been approved by FIFA and McClean is free to Start his international career with Ireland.


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Simon Cox keen to secure starting birth for club and country

Ireland international Simon Cox fired West Brom into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a hat-trick against Cardiff this afternoon.

Cox headed his first home from eight yards after a cross from Baggies captain Nicky Shorey. He doubled his tally in the 61st minute with a scorcher from 25 yards that gave Heaton no chance as it crossed the line after rattling off his post, and he sealed his hat-trick with an easy tap in from an Odemwingie pass.

The Irish striker has recently hinted that he may have to move on during the January transfer window after finding first-team football hard to come by this season.

Cox is very aware that he needs to playing every week if he's to secure a squad spot in Giovanni Trapattoni's European finals squad, and with just two Premier League starts this season he feels a move away from the the Hawthorns may be his best chance of guaranteeing a trip to Poland in June.

Speaking after the game Baggies boss Roy Hodgson said :

"That's a positive for Simon who has taken his chance when it has come along.

"I thought he did very well at Tottenham the other night as well, so with his three goals and his performance today, it's a clear positive for us and for him.

"The way he played today, he clearly showed he deserves a place in the team, and we'll be thinking very seriously about that.

"Simon's a good trainer, good finisher. In the finishing practices he is always right up there, so he has to be pleased with his day's work.

"I'm pleased for him, pleased he's shown he is a Premier League quality player and that he has taken his chance after being given it with great aplomb.

"On both occasions he has been amongst our best players."

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McClean upbeat about future

Former Derry City winger James McClean made an impressive debut last weekend after new Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill gave the 22 year old his chance to shine at the stadium of light, and the Irish international hopeful duly obliged by delighting the Wearside faithful with a stunning impact performance after entering as a second-half substitute.

McClean, who recently stated that it was his dream to represent Giovanni Trapattoni's Ireland side, will have done his future international prospects no harm with his eye-catching Sunderland debut.

Signed by previous manager Steve Bruce in a £350,000 summer buy from Derry City, first-team opportunities have been hard to come by.

However, when given one by O’Neill, McClean grasped it with both hands and played a key role in the Black Cats’ dramatic comeback.

He said: “When I arrived, I just wanted to get into the team as soon as possible.

“I did not honestly expect it to be as quick as it has been.

“I came here with the mindset of working hard every day in training, trying to improve as a player and eventually getting into the team.

“Now I am just delighted to get my debut out of the way, but I am not taking anything for granted, I know it is only one game.

“I will continue with what I have been doing in training and try to improve.”

Of his debut, McClean revealed any pre-match nerves he might have had were eased by a quiet word from O’Neill prior to coming on the pitch.

He added: “It was not a bad debut at all with the manager’s first game in charge and to get the win as well. It was an all-round good day.

“I just came on and played my own game and it was a great moment. The manager just told me to go on, play my normal game and not be nervous.

“That gave me the confidence to just go on and do what I have been doing in the reserves.”

Last weekend’s win over Blackburn ended a winless run of five games for Sunderland and McClean has credited new gaffer O’Neill for providing the spark to inspire the team to victory.

He continued: “The new manager has come in and been a breath of fresh air.

“He has given the lads a lot of confidence by being upbeat. It has rubbed off on the players.

“Training has been different as every manager has their own style, but there have not been big changes.

“You could see what it meant to the fans to have Martin O’Neill.

“For him to gain a win in his first game in charge made it the perfect day.

“His managerial record speaks for itself. When you are a player like myself coming through the ranks, it gives you a confidence boost when there is someone like him in charge

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