Gibson out of Republic squad for friendly

Everton midfielder Darron Gibson has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad to face the Czech Republic next week, the Barclays Premier League club have announced.

The former Manchester United player had been included in Giovanni Trapattoni’s 26-man squad for the friendly at the Aviva Stadium on February 29.

However, the Blues have announced he has sustained a knee injury, the seriousness of which is unknown.