Darron Gibson

It would be interesting to hear more on this from Gibson himself, although I don't expect that will be forthcoming. Before jumping to conclusions, is his disappointment with the nature of our general performance (as Trap appears to be suggesting in his comments, perhaps somewhat artfully), the fact he didn't see any game-time whilst the likes of Green did (I think this to be the most likely or pivotal factor) and/or as a result of a personal grudge with Trap (as many appear to be deducing, although I don't think this is a fair assessment)? Does Gibson see himself ever playing for Trap again, for example? I think he may well. There's nothing to suggest that he has a specific problem with Trap as manager. This comment from Trap, assuming we can take it at face value, would suggest there has not been a falling out between the pair and that Gibson's decision is not down to feeling like a victim of Trap the supposed alienator:

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"I spoke with Gibson for a long time," Trapattoni said. "He explained to me that he was disappointed. I understood but I said to him that we were all disappointed after the defeats in the Euro campaign, but I said that this is a time for a new opportunity (for the Republic)."

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Could Gibson's move be interpreted that he cared so much and harbours such disappointment from the Euro's that he had to take this step? In a patriotic context,Gibson should have remained in the squad, even if only to warm the bench. But as it stands the chances are he would have started anyway due to injuries. Or perhaps Gibson was given the indication or had the feeling that Trap would select McCarthy in his stead?

Either way it's a very curious situation. Breaks in relationships never work and often lead to a break-up. I hope this isn't something similar. Gibson is a better player than Whelan I feel but McCarthy is potentially the best from our current lot. Gibson has a long international career ahead of him so a Stephen Ireland-style retirement would be a blow. I don't think it will come to that. However, I do think that if he's not selected in the next squad then his position is fairly untenable.

Given our performances against Croatia and Spain, using different personnel would hardly have looked suspicious, or been considered 'weakening' the team by anybody.

Without knowing what conversations Gibson and Trap had, if any, regarding the role he would be playing in Poland, it's impossible to know the extent to which his grievance is legitimate, but he certainly hasn't come out of it well. He comes across as arrogant and petty, and you have to wonder if he expected a different kind of response than what's happening now.

Does anyone for a moment think Gibson's disappointment is being saddened at the poor display of the team rather than personal disappointment of not getting his perceived deserved time in the limelight?

This is all starting to get a little bit too much lke Saipan for me. I'm out.

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Originally Posted by osarusan

Given our performances against Croatia and Spain, using different personnel would hardly have looked suspicious, or been considered 'weakening' the team by anybody.

Without knowing what conversations Gibson and Trap had, if any, regarding the role he would be playing in Poland, it's impossible to know the extent to which his grievance is legitimate, but he certainly hasn't come out of it well. He comes across as arrogant and petty, and you have to wonder if he expected a different kind of response than what's happening now.

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Agreed, surely leaving an ineffective midfield unchanged and then putting Paul Green on would be the best way to smooth Italy's path.

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Originally Posted by Murfinator

Does anyone for a moment think Gibson's disappointment is being saddened at the poor display of the team rather than personal disappointment of not getting his perceived deserved time in the limelight?

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No, because there were many reports after the competition that he was livid with Trap and was considering his international future. This ties in perfectly with that.

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Originally Posted by Murfinator

Does anyone for a moment think Gibson's disappointment is being saddened at the poor display of the team rather than personal disappointment of not getting his perceived deserved time in the limelight?

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I'd say Gibson is one of those guys that would be happy with a 5-1 defeat as long as he scored the goal.

I think that was murfinators point lads.

I'm just left wondering, if he and Trap had a call on Friday where grievances were aired etc, why retrospectively "punish" the manager or the setup, by saying you were too disappointed from the summer gone by? That's kinda what he is trying to do, like a child trying to get one over after being ignored by their parents. Surely, the call must have been along the lines of darron asking was he going to feature this time around, Trap may not have given him the assurances he wanted, and then Gibson does this. If you knew you were going to be picked, why jeopardise that or your future or "punish" someone else? Even for a petulant, egotistical, spoilt brat like Gibson that seems a bit OTT. If, of course that was the case.

Trapattoni's press conference yesterday suggests Gibson could be in line for a longish sabbatical. Says he 'should want to be with Ireland' and got a bit exasperated in true Trap style. Tardelli also seemed to indicate Gibson would've played.

I really cant fathom why he would do this if advised he was going to play, if he has any bit of patriotism in him.

But it would not surprise me given his character. Who normally rooms with Gibson btw?

I'm hopeful that meyler(silent e stutts ;)) now takes his chance, because one thing that Trap is is consistent in his selections.

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Originally Posted by Murfinator

Does anyone for a moment think Gibson's disappointment is being saddened at the poor display of the team rather than personal disappointment of not getting his perceived deserved time in the limelight?

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As Stutts says, no. Trap seems happy to imply that this is the case, perhaps rather craftily, as it depersonalises things from his perspective, but it doesn't add up for me. Plus, the words coming from Everton and David Moyes appear to suggest that Gibson's disappointment is primarily rooted in a lack of game-time: http://www.evertonfc.com/news/archiv...reland-future-

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Gibson, who picked up a thigh strain in the Blues’ 2-0 defeat at West Brom, is disappointed with a lack of playing opportunities for his country – particularly at Euro 2012.

Moyes said: "He's not played recently and travelled to all the games including the Euros. I'm very disappointed he's not been selected and maybe he feels that way too. I think he's spoken with the manager."

But the Everton boss added: "The club always encourages players to play for their international teams. He will play again for Ireland I have no doubt about that."

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Meylr?

Gibson - in terms of ability, not attitude - has divided opinion here like few others in the last year or two. I've always thought he's a classy player and, in particular, would do very well in a 3 man midfield for us. But McCarthy is the man with most to gain post-Euros and I think if he can hit the ground running then we're quids-in. We're back down a level or two from the standard we were playing at the Euros so I think we can continue to make do with what we have and McCarthy ought to improve things. If Meyler (point taken on pronunciation!) can establish himself as a midfield option, and also Wilson, then I think we can have no reason to miss Gibson. We need mobile players who aren't afraid of the ball and who can snap at ankles. We also need positive characters.

As a related aside, I was impressed by Arsenal yesterday. The XI they had on the pitch seemed like they were all playing for each other and, unusually for Arsenal, all seemed to be positive characters.

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Originally Posted by paul_oshea

Who normally rooms with Gibson btw?

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I've no idea but would have guessed O'Shea if pushed.

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Originally Posted by DannyInvincible

Which reason are you referring to specifically?

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Afair, that we should be seen (by Croatia) to be playing our best team in our last game even though our hopes were gone and not using the game to give honourable members of the squad a run out, that Trap being Italian would have eyes on him, that we should be seen to be above suspicion.

Imo, Trap certainly had a duty towards the spirit of the competition but he could have balanced that somewhat with his duty to the Irish squad, with one or two changes.

Very astute move by Gibson. At this stage everyone knows that the best way to increase your reputation as a footballer is to not be in / be on the edge of the Ireland squad. Watch his reputation as a footballer soar now just like Andy Reid's did. And as another stick to beat an increasingly unpopular manager with, he'll soon be the white Pele.

On a more serious note, I'm absolutely disgusted with Gibson. Just when he finally looked like a player that might offer something to the team he throws the toys out of the pram.

Well Im happier than this is Darron Gibson we are talking about and not James McCarthy.

James is key to our future midfield, not so sure about Darron, who at this stage has had a number of opportunities. In fact Trap appeared to favour DG in the early days, for example he started in the one nil win at home to Cyprus in Traps first game and was pretty ineffective that night.

I can understand DG's annoyance with not making the team during the Euros. I think he also joined the squad early and requested to be released to go to Whelan's wedding but was refused. But with his improving performances for Everton, it surely was only a matter of time before he got some game time again and very good chance of it in this game with Andrews out. Very immature and petulant from DG, you have to wonder if it was a competitive game against Wales or Sweden or Faroes (ie somewhere alot closer) would he had felt so disappointed.

Maybe Darron, like Ronaldo, is suffering from professional sadness: http://www.joe.ie/football/football-...drid-0028029-1

The Indo is reporting that Gibson threatened to quit the squad after the Spain game. Had to be talked out of it (I believe by Alan Kelly and John O'Shea). I agree with Elroy that McCarthy is a better all round player than Gibson. But our midfield is threadbare and Gibson will be missed. It was interesting to hear Trap say he would continue to follow Gibson ie he will never play again as long as I am manager.

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Originally Posted by DannyInvincible

Maybe Darron, like Ronaldo, is suffering from professional sadness: http://www.joe.ie/football/football-...drid-0028029-1

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I see his dads anniversary is this week, could just be knobhead journos blowing things out of proportion as usual.