Gibson named in midfield for Cyprus qualifier

Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson is a surprise inclusion in Giovanni Trapattoni's Irish side for tonight's clash with Cyprus at Croke Park.

The 20-year-old partners Glenn Whelan in a new-look central midfield for the World Cup qualifier, while Paul McShane comes into defence for Steve Finnan and Damien Duff makes his first start of the campaign, replacing Stephen Hunt.

Ireland will be looking for revenge after suffering a heavy away defeat and a dispiriting home draw against the Cypriots in the Euro 2008 qualification campaign.