Roy Keane knows a thing or two about facing adversity and coming out the other side.
That being said, it is no surprise that the Corkman has offered his support to Darren Gibson. The Everton and Ireland midfielder pled guilty, on Tuesday, to drink driving and was hit with with a driving ban, and community service, for the incident.
The Derryman is currently injured and is not part of the Ireland squad for the next two Euro 2016 qualifiers, against Gibralter on Friday and Georgia on Monday.
However he is still in the thoughts of the Irish management and, at today’s media briefing in Abbotstown, Keane revealed how Gibson can regain his place in Ireland’s remaining games:
“Well, obviously, Darren’s had his injury problems over the last few years but we know he”s good player. Darren needs to get games under his belt. His off-the field stuff, well he’s a young player and obviously going to make a few mistakes.
“We know what a fit Darren Gibson can contribute to the Irish team but he’s got to get fit and play regularly.”
Ireland spanked Gibraltar 7-0 when they played the tiny island last time out, at the Aviva, and it would be major shock if they don’t record a comfortable win on Friday night. Nontheless, the former Ireland captain has issued a warning that Martin O’Neill’s side cannot take anything for granted:
We are professional footballers. We’re at training today, we’ll go back and relax, we were at the pictures last night and there’s a good atmosphere amongst the players getting ready for a game.
But we’re focused and you can’t take your eye off the ball. If you relax too much there is every chance you are going to lose the game of football. It’s a game we can’t afford to lose.
Kevin Doyle is the last player to link up with today’s squad, who are due to fly out tomorrow morning ahead of the game.
