Soccer:Republic of Ireland midfielder Darron Gibson has been ruled out of next week's friendly against the Czech Republic after picking up a knee injury that could keep him sidelined for up to a month. Gibson sustained the injury against Blackpool last weekend and will remain with Everton for treatment.

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni is unlikely to bring in cover for the Derryman having already added Paul Green and Gibson’s fellow Derryman James McClean to his squad earlier this week. The Italian already has Glenn Whelan, James McCarthy, Keith Andrews and Keith Fahey at his disposal for next Wednesday’s match at Lansdowne Road.

After failing to really make an impact at Manchester United, Gibson’s Premier League career has been rejuvenated since his move to Merseyside in the January transfer window with the 24-year-old yet to taste defeat for his new club.

Everton have yet to reveal the extent of his injury but have confirmed he will not travel to Dublin with Toffee’s teammates Shane Duffy and Seamus Coleman this weekend.