Darron Gibson

[Dr. Ogba]

From Football 365:

http://www.football365.com/news/story_189307.shtml


This is a bit of a surprise to me as I thought he had declared for us and had already played underage for our youth teams...

Can anyone set me straight on this????

[Irish_Praha]

Thats a strange one alright. I thought he declared for ROI too and has played loads of games.
He's even included in the U-19 squad on the FAI website:
http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=62&Itemid=75

[Stuttgart88]

Yeah, he's from Derry & has played competively for RoI at U17 & U19 level.

oneteaminireland.bravehost.com tracks his progress regularly.

PS: his name, unusually, is spelt Darron.

[Dr. Ogba]

Yeah, he's from Derry & has played competively for RoI at U17 & U19 level.
Here's his squad profile from FAI website. oneteaminireland.com also tracks his progress. I reckon Fergie's just unaware / confused.

Darron Gibson (Manchester United)
Born in Northern Ireland. Played for Ireland at U17.
Was the powerful hub of the Irish machine as they won their three matches in the fist phase qualifying tournament for the finals of 2006 in October 2005 — strong, forceful player who dominated the area in front of the centre-backs. Plays centre-back with United’s reserves and showed all the attributes of the ideal defensive midfielder for Ireland.

PS: his name, unusually, is spelt Darron.

Can he still switch allegiances if playing competitively for youth teams? That would be pretty bad news as it looks like he's quite highly rated by Ferguson...

[dr_peepee]

At say at his age Fergie'd do well to keep up with the international allegience of all his first team squad, never mind those from the underage set up...

It's probbly a misplaced assumption of Fergie's part.

[drinkfeckarse]

At say at his age Fergie'd do well to keep up with the international allegience of all his first team squad, never mind those from the underage set up...

It's probbly a misplaced assumption of Fergie's part.


Agreed, ol' Fergie's brain gets more frazzled by the day...

[RogerMilla]

can't see him jumping ship if he has come up through our ranks , cross purposes between fergie and the reporter i reckon...

[Paddy Garcia]

Probably scared by the competition in the Irish midfield.;)

[co. down green]

The 6 county team have been sniffing round Darron, apparently.

Ireland have issued a "hands off our man" warning to the Irish Football Association.

The stern message from the IFA's southern counterparts comes in light of Sir Alex Ferguson's comments regarding his young Manchester United star Darron Gibson.


An FAI spokesperson said today: "Darron plays his international football with the Republic of Ireland and as far are we are concerned there is no issue regarding his international standing.

"Darron is very highly thought of by all the international managers in the Association and he has a bright future both for club and country."

[Plastic Paddy]

If any country can't complain about other countries' poaching their players, surely it's got to be us. Nolan anyone?

I'd say that Staunton's attempts to court both Aaron Lennon and Gary Cahill are more germane to the point you're making since both players were members of another country's squads at the time of Stan's enquiries. Nolan's status is different, given that he is not currently in that position. Not that it matters since, as things stand, he's not eligible for us anyway.


Anyway, it will be interesting to see what happens as Gibson apparently played for NI at under-16 and only switched after some dispute with the management.

AIUI a player can only switch national team allegiance once and, from what you say, Gibson has already done so. My understanding could however be inaccurate. Can anyone clarify?

:ball: PP

[Gather round]

If Gibson wants to play for the Republic, fair enough. It's disappointing after he's come through NI schools football, but you can't browbeat people.

Slip of the tongue by Ferguson I think.

[Plastic Paddy]

If Gibson wants to play for the Republic, fair enough. It's disappointing after he's come through NI schools football, but you can't browbeat people.

Not in this day and age. In a different time and a different context such coercion was de rigeur ;) but times have indeed changed.

Anyhow, thinking of some of the players who have done the same recently - whatever became of Henry McStay? :confused: Looks like you didn't miss out there after all...

:ball: PP

[co. down green]

Gibson made the natural decision for himself, he has always followed Ireland, as has his family. He grew up in Derry following his national team, as do the majority of football supporters in the city.

Darron has represented Ireland from the age of 16, so his commitment to the team is clear.

There are those who will try to hijack the player's international choice as a means to attack or denigrate that decision and portray it as being political or disloyal.

Darron grew up following Ireland so what could be more normal that wanting to emulate your heroes. Gibson in an interview last year spoke of his memories of watching Ireland as a 13 year old in the Japan/Korea 2002 world cup and dreaming of pulling on the green shirt at international level.

I try to avoid these discussons as they tend to stray from the football i love, but its important to point out that everyone have the right to support who they deem to be their national team. I attended my first international game in 1987 and have followed Ireland at home and away ever since. Borders have no baring on that choice and i and many supporters from Belfast, Derry, Coleraine, Newry and beyond see no conflict in that choice and its as natural a choice in Belfast as it is in Dublin, cork or Limerick.

Roll on Stuttgart.

[FarBeag]

Gibson made the natural decision for himself, he has always followed Ireland, as has his family. He grew up in Derry following his national team, as do the majority of football supporters in the city.

Darron has represented Ireland from the age of 16, so his commitment to the team is clear.

There are those who will try to hijack the player's international choice as a means to attack or denigrate that decision and portray it as being political or disloyal.

Darron grew up following Ireland so what could be more normal that wanting to emulate your heroes. Gibson in an interview last year spoke of his memories of watching Ireland as a 13 year old in the Japan/Korea 2002 world cup and dreaming of pulling on the green shirt at international level.

I try to avoid these discussons as they tend to stray from the football i love, but its important to point out that everyone have the right to support who they deem to be their national team. I attended my first international game in 1987 and have followed Ireland at home and away ever since. Borders have no baring on that choice and i and many supporters from Belfast, Derry, Coleraine, Newry and beyond see no conflict in that choice and its as natural a choice in Belfast as it is in Dublin, cork or Limerick.

Roll on Stuttgart.

Great post well said.

[eirebhoy]

Gibson:

"I have no intention of changing back to play with Northern Ireland

It's my dream to play for the Republic and nothing has changed as far as that is concerned.

I think this whole thing has come about because Sir Alex made a mistake just because he knows I'm from Derry."

[risteard55]

From Belfast Telegraph today.By Peter Hutcheon

26 July 2006

Rising Manchester United star Darron Gibson last night insisted that he has no intention of playing for Northern Ireland - and wants to stick with the Republic of Ireland.

On Monday, The Belfast Telegraph reported Sir Alex Ferguson's belief that Londonderry youngster Gibson and team-mate Jonny Evans, from Belfast, would play for Northern Ireland in the next 12 months.

But Gibson, who previously played for Northern Ireland at under 16 level before switching allegiances to the Republic under-18 set-up, says that his dream is to win a cap for Steve Staunton's senior side rather than turn out for Lawrie Sanchez's team.

"I have no intention of changing back to play with Northern Ireland," the Derry-born 18-year-old declared.

"It's my dream to play for the Republic and nothing has changed as far as that is concerned.

"I think this whole thing has come about because Sir Alex made a mistake just because he knows I'm from Derry."

Gibson's intervention is likely to end a potential tug-of-war between the two Irish camps over his future.

After playing for Northern Ireland's under-16 side, a disagreement with the management team over his trial at Manchester United saw him jump ship and since then he has continued his international football with the Republic.

The rules are such that he still qualifies to play for Northern Ireland but clearly his heart lies elsewhere.

Gibson made his senior debut for the Red Devils last season against Barnet in the Carling Cup.

Continuing his progress along with Evans, he was given the chance to impress on United's recent pre-season tour of South Africa.

United boss Ferguson rates both Gibson and Evans highly and no matter where they play international football, he wants to keep them at Old Trafford in the long term, although they are both expected to be sent out on loan to United's feeder club, Belgian side Royal Antwerp this season to gain more first team experience .

[tricky_colour]

I don't know if it has already been mentioned but incase it hasn't, He was named as the Manchester United Young Player of the Year.
http://www.elevenaside.com/acrossthewater/irish_soccer_detail.asp?newsid=22341

[Fergie's Son]

I think this quote from Gibson is telling:

"I think this whole thing has come about because Sir Alex made a mistake just because he knows I’m from Derry.”

Not LondonDerry but Derry. Sounds like he leans towards the Republic.

[NeilMcD]

Sounds like he leans towards the republic because he plays for us I think that is more telling dont you think.

[Plastic Paddy]

Sounds like he leans towards "the republic" because he plays for us I think that is more telling dont you think.

You may have a point there. I think our national inferiority complex sometimes gets the better of us. Jaisus, we seem to have one even where the Nordies are concerned ffs! :eek:

It might sound shocking to regular posters but sometimes, just sometimes, Neil, you really do speak some sense. :D

:ball: PP

[NeilMcD]

Getting worried now you are agreeing with me.

[Fergie's Son]

Sounds like he leans towards the republic because he plays for us I think that is more telling dont you think.

Yet players have played for underaged teams and moved before. His comment is telling in the current context.

[NeilMcD]

So you are saying the fact he calls Derry, Derry, rather than calling it Londonderry is more of an indication that he wants to play for the Republic of Ireland than the fact that he plays for the Republic of Ireland.

[co. down green]

The last man to coach Darron Gibson in Northern Ireland colours feels the Derry teenager will not be the last to go south of the border.

Kenny Shiels was in charge of the under-17 side when the Manchester United defender decided that his international career lay with the Republic.

Shiels though knew that from a young age, Gibson had his heart set on playing for the Republic.

"He enjoyed his time with us but he always wanted to play for the Republic," he explained.

"He came into our squad for the European under-17 Championships but at that time the rules stated that if you played representative football at under-17 level you were disqualified from playing for another country.

"That has been changed to under-21 now and Darron didn't want to disqualify himself."

[tetsujin1979]

I can't believe all this has come from one slip of the tongue from Alex Ferguson. Gibson has only played for the Republic, he's never given any indication he wants to play for anyone except the Republic and suddenly we're all desperate for him to prove it!

[tricky_colour]

I can't believe all this has come from one slip of the tongue from Alex Ferguson. Gibson has only played for the Republic, he's never given any indication he wants to play for anyone except the Republic and suddenly we're all desperate for him to prove it!

As Shakespeare put it, "Much ado about nothing".

He didn't play in the Celtic Man U friendly match though when a lot of
youngsters played, as I recall, I wonder is he was injured?

Opps I just checked and he came on in the 70 minute after I had stopped
watching. But I think I recorded the match on my PC.
Wonderful things computers :D

[Fergie's Son]

So you are saying the fact he calls Derry, Derry, rather than calling it Londonderry is more of an indication that he wants to play for the Republic of Ireland than the fact that he plays for the Republic of Ireland.

Absolutely, yes. Given the fact that Derry was called LondonDerry in the article and Gibson said Derry and said that he supported a LOI team (Derry) lends credence to the notion that he is committed to the Republic.

[NeilMcD]

I agree that it lends credence but its not more of an indication than the fact he does play for the Republic of ireland

[Stuttgart88]

I agree that it lends credence but its not more of an indication than the fact he does play for the Republic of ireland
And that he says he wants to continue doing so!

In order of importance as "evidence" I'd say it's something like:

1) he already plays for us
2) he says he wants to continue playing for us
3) people close to him say he only wants to play for us
.
.
.
.
.
.
87) he calls his home town "Derry"

:)

[Fergie's Son]

I agree that it lends credence but its not more of an indication than the fact he does play for the Republic of ireland

Agreed. I was, however, making the point in the context of the article itself.

[Donal81]

Sorry lads, you've lost me on this one!

[kingdom hoop]

in light of the pointless debate above do we think stan has picked gibson in a sort of lewis emanuel,terry dixon type way, i.e. make sure he commits to us?? its hard to see him making any contribution this year, but maybe stan's reconnaissance trips to antwerp have unearthed a priceless truffle. that is if he did actually go of course. presuming he did, and has also watched whelan, mcphail and such perhaps the cynical approach is misguided..

[pete]

What division in Belgium do Antwerp play as I cannot see them... :confused:

Gibson did not impress in the B International. If Staunton is playing him just to stop him declaring elsewhere means easier to get capped as "convertee" than playing only qualified for one country...

[Soper]

Maxol was right, the whole organization 'iz a farrrrrsssseeee'

[olegunnar]

I was at the B match, and it was hard to really say who did well. P McCarthy was the stand out "solid" performance, but outside of him, I thought Gibson was lively and effective. I am a ManU fan, have always associated Darron with being a Republic player.

[tetsujin1979]

I agree with olegunnar, I was at the B game, and while most on the pitch were solid, very few stood out as exceptional.
If I had to pick one, I would have gone with McCarthy, thought he coped very well in defence on the night.

[joe_barry80]

What division in Belgium do Antwerp play as I cannot see them... :confused:

Gibson did not impress in the B International. If Staunton is playing him just to stop him declaring elsewhere means easier to get capped as "convertee" than playing only qualified for one country...
They are in the 2nd division

[cheifo]

Midfield is a real problem area for us.With all the hopes pinned on Garvan and to a lesser extent Ireland I had forgotten about this lad, lets hope he proves to be a gem.

[pete]

They are in the 2nd division

So a player whose highest level of football is 2nd division Belgian football gets an irish call up. :eek: Has Staunton even seen him play or is Gibson taking Alan O'Briens "wild card" squad position...?

[tetsujin1979]

So a player whose highest level of football is 2nd division Belgian football gets an irish call up. :eek:
He's also played for United in the League Cup, I'll leave it up to you to decide if second division Belgian football is higher

Has Staunton even seen him play or is Gibson taking Alan O'Briens "wild card" squad position...?
well he's definately seen him play in the B international
from fai.ie

He impressed me in the “B” International even though he only played about half the match. He had a niggling knee injury but is over that and played for his club at the weekend.
What I like about him is that he's an all-round midfielder. He's got plenty of potential - a big strong lad who has a bit of everything needed to be a playerAnd he's spoken to Alex Ferguson about including him in the squad:

I had a chat with Alex Ferguson about Darron Gibson, who is on loan in Belgium with Royal Antwerp. He thinks it will do him the world of good to come over and train with us and see how he does.
Alex doesn't feel he's ready for International games at this moment in time, which is a fair call from a man of his experience but we'll take him to get him part of the squad.From this I'd imagine Gibson is unlikely to play, but Staunton is still taking advantage of the opposition to bring him into the squad.
Like I pointed out in the squad thread, he's taking flak for bringing some players into the squad, and using the opportunity to experiment, whereas if he'd made no changes then he'd be taking flak for not experimenting.

[DannyInvincible]

What's the actual situation regarding the legitimacy of the call-up? The IFA and their supporters are harping on about how Gibson's call-up by the 'dark side/beggars' contravenes FIFA's association qualification rules. (http://ourweecountry.ipbhost.com/index.php?showtopic=15485&st=855) I would have thought that, being born in Northern Ireland, he has, by way of the Good Friday Agreement, a right to be a member of the Irish nation. The relevant provision recognises:

the birthright of all the people of Northern Ireland to identify themselves and be accepted as Irish or British, or both, as they may so choose, and accordingly confirm that their right to hold both British and Irish citizenship is accepted by both Governments and would not be affected by any future change in the status of Northern Ireland.


By the way, I don't see why his use of 'Derry' would have provided any real indication as to where his allegiance lay. Martin O'Neill, who attended the same school in the city as Gibson, would never have used, nor would he use, 'Londonderry' but had no problem with representing Northern Ireland.

[Only1Rovers]

Jay-sus the boys are getting carried away with this. It sounds like there worried it actually might happen. Not gonna happen in our life-time not even an all-Ireland league.

Forget about it.

[gspain]

What division in Belgium do Antwerp play as I cannot see them... :confused:

Gibson did not impress in the B International. If Staunton is playing him just to stop him declaring elsewhere means easier to get capped as "convertee" than playing only qualified for one country...

Gibson is fully committed to us. He used to travel down to games as a kid.

Still a surprise choice.

[charliesboots]

Belfast Telegraph (http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/article2201539.ece)


Gibson can't play for Republic, says Wells

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

By Stuart McKinley

Irish FA chief executive Howard Wells remains adamant that Darron Gibson is not eligible to play for the Republic of Ireland, despite the player being named in Steve Staunton's senior squad for the first time.

The Londonderry-born teenager has been chosen for next week's Euro 2008 qualifier against San Marino, even though his status is still under review by both FIFA and UEFA.

Late last year Wells laid out the IFA's stance on northern born players representing the Republic and referred to FIFA's own ruling on player eligibility.

"We have presented the case to both FIFA and UEFA and are waiting for their decision," Wells told the Belfast Telegraph.

"We were asked to produce case studies and Darron Gibson is one of those case studies.

"There is a meeting scheduled for April when a decision will be made."

Wells recently won a battle with FIFA to allow Northern Ireland players to play under an Irish passport, but he sees this as a different issue.

"It is not about passports, it's about eligibility and we have asked FIFA and UEFA to apply their rules," he said.

"We have told the FAI about this and we will see what happens.

"The articles are clear and very precise and we have asked FIFA as the world governing body to take responsibility."

[pete]

The policy of giving players senior international caps just to prevent them declaring for other countries is all wrong. The FAI would be up in arms if was being done to them.

:o

[eirebhoy]

"It is not about passports
Yes it is...

[NeilMcD]

The policy of giving players senior international caps just to prevent them declaring for other countries is all wrong. The FAI would be up in arms if was being done to them.

:o

Has this happened yet.

[cavan_fan]

I am fairly confident he is elgibile but I hope someone in the FAI gets something in writing from UEFA before the game or else don't play him. Last thing we need is to lose points for fielding an ineligible player. Though of course the FAI are always right on top of that sort of thing.

[eirebhoy]

Can I ask how he couldn't be eligible? Once you have an Irish passport that's all that matters. If you won an Irish passport with a bottle of coke you're eligible to play for Ireland.

[Dodge]

He has an Irish passport and hasn’t represented NI at high enough level. He absolutely can play for Ireland.

He should not be in the squad though. No way in hell is the Belgian second division at a standard high enough. Any of the lads in the EL, Mick Doyle at Coventry, Patrick Clegg at Flakirk and numerous others should be well ahead of him.