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Trapattoni: Ireland need scoring power of Man Utd midfielder Gibson

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni will start Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson tonight against Macedonia.

Gibson opened his account for Ireland with a stunning long-range strike in the 3-0 win over Wales last month - and Trapattoni wants more of the same.

The Italian said: "(Paul) Green is a strong player and against more creative and technical teams, maybe you need him because he is very aggressive.

"But there is a reason why I chose Gibson ahead of him for this match.

"I've seen Macedonia many times and their midfield and defence play very close together.

"They stay back and play in their own half.

"So we need to go forward and this is why I have picked Gibson.

"I've told him I want him to stay forward and when he receives the ball I want him to shoot at goal immediately, like he did against Wales. I have told Aiden McGeady to do the same.

"I don't want them trying to play one-twos in or around the box because we could lose the ball and be hit on the counter-attack. I want them to shoot."

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