Giovanni Trapattoni has admitted that Darron Gibson is likely to start in midfield against Cyprus.
Midfielder set to start against Cyprus
Giovanni Trapattoni has admitted that Darron Gibson is likely to start in midfield against Cyprus.
The Republic of Ireland boss is considering his options for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier and is excited about the potential of Manchester United starlet Gibson.
The 20-year-old was not included in Trapattoni's initial squad but was one of five players elevated to the senior party following the B team's match against Nottingham Forest last Thursday.
Trapattoni will assess Gibson's state of mind before he makes a decision but pair the youngster with Glenn Whelan in central midfield.
"If he is serene and he is not worried, he will play," said Trapattoni.
"I want to try him out because he could be somebody who works very, very well in midfield also in the future."
Quality
Gibson, who has made just one appearance for United this season, stands at 6ft and Trapattoni accepts that his physical presence will be important.
The Italian explained: "At the moment, we are missing Steven Reid and his physical aspect. Also, we need big players.
"In international football, teams score goals from high balls.
"The first reason is his [Gibson's] height, the second is he plays with confidence.
"He doesn't play very often, but he plays for Manchester United, and
Manchester United are a very important team.
"He is confident on the ball. He plays the easy ball and he looks before the ball comes. For me, that is a good quality."
Dilemma
Trapattoni has a selection dilemma at right-back with Steve Finnan missing through injury, so Paul McShane is likely to be drafted into the back four.
However, Trapattoni is concerned about the pace and power of Cyprus left winger Efstathios Aloneftis and John O'Shea could be moved to right-back, with McShane and Richard Dunne in the middle.
Trapattoni said: "McShane is a stopper, but on the left, they have Aloneftis, and he is one of the most dangerous players in their team.
"I can start with him or I can start with John. In the last game, John and Dunne played very well in the middle, but Aloneftis is very, very dangerous and maybe he needs particular attention."
