Chance for Gibson to fill Everton void

Sunderland 1 Everton 1

The Republic of Ireland midfielder was last night challenged to fill the void left by the potential absence of Gareth Barry, who while avoiding what was initially feared to be a broken leg, faces a spell out after suffering ankle ligament damage as Everton fought back to earn a deserved point. Gibson is making his way back following a 10 month absence after suffering serious ligament damage representing his country against Kazakhstan last year. The 27-year-old, isn’t yet fully up to speed, as shown when his error almost allowed Jordi Gomez to break the deadlock before half-time in a contest that came to life after the interval.

But the ex-Manchester United player, who is in Martin O’Neill’s squad for the up-coming games against Scotland and the USA, is set to be afforded an opportunity to prove himself.