Gibson given his big chance

Darron Gibson was the shock inclusion when Giovanni Trapattoni announced his starting line-up for the world-cup qualifier against Cyprus at Croke Park tomorrow night.

Gibson, who has yet to start a senior international, wasn’t even in the original squad but impressed Trapattoni so much in the ‘B’ teams game against Nottingham Forest that he will now be starting alongside Glenn Whealan in the middle of the park.

The 20 year-old Manchester United midfielder has only made one appearance for his club so far this season when he came on as a substitute in the 3-1 victory over Middelsborough in the Carling Cup last month.

The loss of Reid is a major disadvantage as the central midfield pairing is now very inexperienced and could be where the Cypriots will focus their attentions on.

The Irish, who are second in Group 8 will bring Damien Duff and Paul Mc Shaneinto the side with Steve Finnan, Stephen Hunt and Steven Reid making way.

Mc Shane will more than likely play in the centre of defence and the more experienced John O’Shea will be moved out to wing-back in an attempt to quieten Cypriot winger Efstathios Aloneftis.

Up front, the regular pairing of Doyle and Keane will have an extra helping-hand from Damien Duff but both Doyle and Keane will need their shooting boots on to beat Angelos Anastasiades’ side.

The Irish starting XI: S Given, R Dunne, K Kilbane, J O'Shea, P McShane, A McGeady, D Gibson, G Whelan, D Duff, R Keane, K Doyle.

ExtraTime.ie Prediction: The new found positivity surrounding Trapattoni’s team could be the determining factor against an ever improving Cyprus team. If Aloneftis and co can be kept quiet by the defence and the strikers can perform Ireland should win this game. The keyword is should though. Ireland by 1.

Stay tuned to extratime.ie for a complete analysis of tomorrow nights game.