Darron Gibson staying at Everton, says Roberto Martinez

Roberto Martinez insists midfielder Darron Gibson won’t be sold in the January transfer window as he still remains an important part of his plans for the future.

Former Republic of Ireland and Everton defender Kevin Kilbane recently stated he believed Gibson needs to leave the Goodison Park club this month to kick-start his club and international career.

But, speaking to the Irish Examiner yesterday, the Everton manager dismissed those comments and maintained the Derry man is still a key member of his squad.

He said: “Well that’s just someone else’s comments but no from our point of view we just want to get Darron fully fit and for him to fight for a position.”

The Spaniard added: “Darron is a phenomenal midfielder. The attributes he brings into the squad, I don’t think anyone else has them so we want him fighting for his position in the team and to enjoy his football and that’s my only concern at the moment.”

Gibson has made just seven appearances in all competitions this season as he struggles with a persistent knee injury but Martinez feels the former Manchester United midfielder is edging closer to selection.

Martinez added: “Darron has had two very good sessions and now he’s coming through a mini pre-season to get him back into the second half of the season, and the early signs are very good. But we must remember that it has been such a long time out so we need to make sure he gets a bit of work done before he can be introduced into the first team training. But I don’t expect Darron to be too far away.”

Gibson will not be fit in time to feature in tonight’s FA Cup Third Round replay against West Ham at Upton Park. James McCarthy will also miss out.

Martinez also denied speculation linking Seamus Coleman with a move to Manchester United. The former Sligo Rovers man has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford as Louis van Gaal looks to strengthen his side’s defence as they attempt to reclaim their Champion’s League status but Martinez insisted he will not be sold.

“He won’t be leaving,” Martinez said of Coleman. “We are not going to sell out big assets at the football club in the January window so I think all those stories or efforts or admiration from the outside is just a waste of time.”

For his part, West Ham boss Sam Allardyce feels injuries and Europa League commitments are the true cause behind the Toffees’ poor start to the season.

Everton finished fifth in their first season under Martinez but are just three points clear of the relegation zone this time round.

Allardyce said: “For me it has always been about adapting and suiting the players the best way possible to win football matches.

“Whilst Everton are having a sticky patch at the moment, I’m not sure that is down to Roberto’s philosophy. It is about players going out and playing to the best of their abilities.

“Everton at the moment, because they have had the extra games with the Europa League, it has told. It is nothing to do with his philosophy. They have found it difficult to cope with more injuries and more games.”