 Northern Ireland say Gibson is not eligible for the Republic |
The international tug-of-war over Darron Gibson took a new twist when the midfielder was handed his competitive debut by Steve Staunton in Bratislava. The Derry-born Manchester United player came on as a substitute midway through the second half of the Republic of Ireland's 2-2 draw with Slovakia.
Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington had been trying to persuade Gibson to switch allegiance from the Republic.
The Irish FA is awaiting a Fifa ruling on the 19-year-old's eligibility.
Gibson played for Northern Ireland U16s but then opted for the Republic.
Since then he has earned U17, U19 and U21 caps for the Republic and won his first senior cap in a friendly against Denmark in August.
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