Republic up ante in Gibson cap row

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Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington, who has already persuaded Blackburn defender Tony Kane to switch countries after two friendlies for Republic boss Staunton, is desperate for Londonderry-born Gibson to do the same.

The 19-year-old Manchester United midfielder, who has an Irish passport, played for the Republic at youth levels, captained the Under 21 side and made his senior debut in last month's friendly win over Denmark.

Last night he was in the squad which left Dublin to face Slovakia and the Czech Republic but Worthington claims Staunton would be taking a major risk if he plays him.

Worthington said: "I will do everything in my power to get him into our system. I really can't see them playing him. If he plays and then FIFA deem him ineligible then they could be punished. And they wouldn't risk of losing points."

But Staunton's No 2, Kevin MacDonald, says the Republic are prepared to "take the risk". He added: "If Steve feels he is the right man to play on Saturday then he will pick him."

The FAI are confident that they have a watertight case and say FIFA told them last October they were within their rights to pick players with dual citizenship.

Gibson made his debut in 2003 for the Under 17s but a year later FIFA tightened qualification criteria. The FAI say Gibson's competitive debut preceded that change.

Republic of Ireland defender John O'Shea (knee) will be fit to play tomorrow and Paul McShane has also declared himself fit. Steve Finnan is out of the Slovakia game but could play against the Czechs next Wednesday.

David Healy has received the seal of approval from United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who sold him to Preston seven years ago without a Premiership start to his name.

Sir Alex admits: "David has always been a fantastic goalscorer and he's proving it now."

Healy, now with Fulham, has scored 31 goals in 57 matches for Northern Ireland. He plays in Latvia tomorrow and Iceland on Wednesday despite a foot injury.