Gibson close to training return after knee op

Everton midfielder Darron Gibson is edging closer to a return to first-team training as his rehabilitation from a knee operation continues.

The Republic of Ireland international suffered an injury to a cruciate ligament playing for his country against Kazakhstan in September having made just one appearance for his club this season.

Manager Roberto Martinez has remained optimistic the 26-year-old could return before the end of the campaign and he will start taking tentative steps towards that in the near future.