Although born in Northern Ireland, Darron Gibson switched his allegiance to the Republic during his teenage years and has become a useful member of Giovanni Trapattoni's squad. A midfielder with a potent right-foot shot, he left Manchester United FC in January 2012 for regular first-team football with Everton FC.

• Born in Derry, Northern Ireland, Gibson played junior and local league football prior to joining United in 2004; made his first-team debut against Barnet FC on 26 October 2005, a day after turning 18.

• Broke into the United side in 2008/09 following loan spells at Royal Antwerp and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, making his Premier League and UEFA Champions League debuts in the space of ten days in November; also played in every round of the Red Devils' triumphant League Cup campaign.

• Awarded a three-year contract extension ahead of the 2009/10 season, in which he scored five goals in 23 appearances in all competitions, including the opener in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against FC Bayern München.

• Represented Northern Ireland at youth level but opted to pursue his senior international career with the Republic of Ireland, for whom he made his debut in August 2007 against Denmark.

• Following three goals in 31 Premier League outings for United, he opened his Everton account on his fourth appearance for the club, a 1-0 victory against Manchester City FC on 31 January 2012.