Darron Gibson has cried off from Ireland’s Euro 2012 qualifier with Macedonia on Saturday by sending a text message to Giovanni Trapattoni.
The Manchester United midfielder has done a runner claiming fatigue and an injury to his groin.
Gibson is the latest in a long line of Irish players to controversially opt out of international duty following the withdrawal of James McCarthy, Anthony Stokes and Marc Wilson.
The 23-year-old, who hasn’t played for United since the second leg of the club’s Champions League semi-final against Schalke 04, sent a late text over the weekend to Trap who only confirmed his withdrawal yesterday.
“Gibson sent us an SMS, it’s his groin. It’s always his groin. It’s the new disease,” Trap said.
“Groin is ok if there is an injury. We have a doctor and you should speak with the doctor. It is about respect.”
Trap is now left light in midfield choices as both Paul Green and Gibson are non-runners. Glenn Whelan has an ankle problem which may not be rectified in time for Saturday, although Trap says he will be okay to play.
Keith Andrews is Whelan’s likely central midfield partner, having started of Ireland’s Nation’s Cup games over the past week.
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