Darron Gibson pulls out of Republic of Ireland squad

Darron Gibson

Darron Gibson has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad for the World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan.

The Everton midfielder has told manager Giovanni Trapattoni that he is still suffering the disappointment of playing a limited role at the Euro 2012 finals.

Sunderland's David Meyler has been called into the squad.

"When Darron told me of his decision to withdraw, I called him to talk things through. He is very much in my plans," said Trapattoni.

Gibson, 24, was initially named in the 23-man party which will fly out to the former Soviet republic for the game on Friday night.

Meyler will meet up with the rest of the squad in Dublin on Sunday.

"As we embark upon a brand new campaign, I consider Darron to be a key player for Ireland," said Trapattoni.

"However, he has said that although he doesn't want to let anyone down, he doesn't feel ready to ready to return to the squad for this fixture after the disappointment of Euro 2012.

"I hope that Darron will take this time to reflect positively on his international career, and return to us in time for the Germany game in October."

Gibson went to Poland and Ukraine with Ireland, but was restricted to a seat on the bench as they slipped to successive defeats at the hands of Croatia, Spain and Italy.

Trapattoni indicated in the aftermath of the finals that Gibson, along with the likes of James McCarthy and James McClean, would have bigger parts to play in his future plans.

The Italian has seen the vastly-experienced Shay Given and Damien Duff announce their retirements from international football in recent weeks and although Richard Dunne has confirmed his intention to play on once he has recovered from injury, the manager is having to contemplate significant change.

He will hope Gibson does eventually return to the fold with Group C favourites Germany due in Dublin on October 12, four days before his side heads for the Faroe Islands.

The Republic, who only just missed out on the last World Cup finals after a controversial play-off defeat by France, will look to open the latest campaign with a positive result in Kazakhstan before heading for London to face Oman in a friendly at Craven Cottage during the forthcoming international break.