The IFA have made no secret that they wish Man U’s Darron Gibson to switch allegiances and play for his country of birth, Northern Ireland. Gibson has represented N Ireland at U-16 level, but due to the ongoing issue of eligibility by passport, he is now on the fringes of breaking into the RoI regular senior first team.
Gibbo came on as a second half sub in the RoI’s trouncing of Denmark last night in Aarhus. His very first touch was nearly a goal following a belting drive that was parried by ‘keeper Christiansen only to be scored by another sub, Shane Long.
Gibson, who holds an Irish passport, has had some recent calls from officials in the north, including pleas from manager Worthington. However, his inclusion in the RoI squad was either a sinister move by the FAI or a genuine move to unearth up and coming talent in what appears to have been a fruitful friendly.
It seems however, that the IFA are not going to let this go and will take it to arbitration if needs must, which could see the FAI having to pay a financial penalty. Gibson could still play for NI despite his appearance in Denmark, as it was not a competitive game.
“I walked into the middle of this situation so I am trying to get an understanding of it,” said Worthers.
“I have spoken to Darron on four occasions and I have told him I want him to play for us. I think I have every right to at least ask as he is from Londonderry.
But make no bones about it, I want him to play for Northern Ireland and I will fight tooth and nail to make that happen. I realise we have to be patient, but hopefully it goes our way,” said the NI boss.
The passport issue needs sorting. NI is one of the few countries in the world where it’s population have a choice of which passport they hold and can indeed have dual nationality should they have any historical family links with the south. So, effectively, Gibbo could get a British passport as well and play for a proper team with proper supporters. No big deal.
The GAWA can take great encouragement from the result in Aarhus in the hope the Danes can be similarly trounced when they visit Windsor in November.
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