Darron Gibson Tonight

GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI is backing Darron Gibson to make a real impression at Manchester United this season.

The Republic of Ireland boss is expecting the midfielder to become a mainstay in Sir Alex Ferguson's team after scoring a splendid free-kick in the match against the MLS All-Stars.

Trap said: "Yes, I think Darron can play for United. Sure, Manchester United is a great team with many international players but he has the hunger and the quality."

And Trap once again stated that he believes Aiden McGeady would benefit from a move away from Celtic, saying: "It might be a good change for the player. The English League is better."

It's also clear the Italian intends to bore Ireland fans en route to Euro qualification.

The Italian coach, who has a reputation for conservative tactics, reckons the modern game suits organised and defensive sides.

Trap said: "Look at Spain's World Cup victory. They did it with 1-0 victories all the way.

"That is the way the game has gone. Because of tactical discipline and the overall improvement of formerly weaker countries, every team in the world is hard to break down.

GIBSON: United midfielder

"We made progress in the last two years, but we must continue to improve again if we want to achieve qualification.

"We have the personality. But we can get better, better even than the way we played in Paris against France.

"We have to clarify why we make mistakes which cost us goals, like the one Italy scored against us in Croke Park, to force a draw. In this campaign, we have to ensure we do not lose the ball so easily.

"So our attitude will be to always look for the first goal in a game, but then to be careful. If you have a goal, then you must not give your opponent space to play.

"I watched the World Cup. Teams had only one shot at goal per half hour. That is the nature of football today. Teams have a lot of ball possession, but not that many shots on target."

Two games in the capital in the space of a week could define the season for Manchester United man Darron Gibson.

The Derry native is part of the United squad which flew into Dublin this morning ahead of tonight's friendly at the new Lansdowne Road, the first soccer game to be played at the Dublin 4 venue, and while it's uncertain if Wayne Rooney -- fresh from his Smokegate scandal -- will start, United boss Alex Ferguson has already stated that Ireland internationals Gibson and John O'Shea will both start against an Airtricity League XI.

Gibson is praying that another good display in the red shirt in Dublin tonight will see him earn a place in United's starting team for the coming season.

Just a week later Gibson will be back in the capital, part of the Ireland squad which takes on Argentina in a friendly next Wednesday. Now that Glenn Whelan - who has almost been an ever-present in the Irish side under Giovanni Trapattoni - will miss that game due to injury, it's a chance for Gibson to stake a claim in the Ireland XI for the opening bout of the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Armenia next month.

"It's a big week for me and I am desperate to do well," Gibson told the Herald. "Tonight's game against the League of Ireland team is only a friendly but it's our last friendly of the pre-season and it's a great chance for me to show the manager here at United what I can do.

"I had a decent run with United last season but I want to play more this year," added Gibson, who scored five goals in 23 appearances for the Red Devils last term.

"Every pre-season my aim is to establish myself in the United team and play every week and this year is no different. I had a good pre-season, I played well in the friendly games and scored a goal, so I hope I can carry that into the game in Dublin tonight and then into the Premier League season.

"We'll have a tough game against the League of Ireland lads and it's a chance to show the manager at United what I can do for the team."

"If Glenn is out for the Argentina match then it's a real chance for me so that game next week is a massive one for me as well," he added.