Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson knows he has a great chance to establish himself in the Republic of Ireland's midfield.

"There is a space going in centre midfield because Steven Reid is injured, so hopefully if the chances keep coming I can take them," Gibson, who made his Premier League bow for United as a substitute against Stoke City on Saturday, told setantasports.com.

"It was unbelievable [to start against Cyprus], because I wasn't expecting to be in the squad even as I was playing in the B game the week before.

"There is competition everywhere in the squad and it is the same in midfield. I just want to put my head down and work as hard as I can, then if something opens up I will take it.

"The manager has spoken about the way that he wants us to play and I think my style suits that from a midfield viewpoint. It won't be easy to stay in the team, but that is my aim now."