Darron Gibson was given a reprieve by Sunderland manager Simon Grayson last night as the midfielder started in his side's 1-0 victory over Bury in the first round of the Carabao Cup.
Gibson hadn't featured in the Sunderland first team since he was filmed in a bar by Sunderland fans questioning the ability of the squad while also criticising some of his teammates' dedication and loyalty to the club.
Sunderland scraped past the League One club 1-0, thanks to a goal from academy player George Honeyman but Grayson singled out Gibson's performance on the night,
I thought he dominated the midfield area, him and Didier [Ndong],
I thought they controlled it when they needed to and worked hard off the ball.
I think he had to answer a few questions because of what he said and other people wanted to see him put on a performance and I thought he did. He showed experience with the ball and without it, I’m really pleased for him.
Gibson will be relieved to hear such praise from his manager as it was looking extremely difficult for the midfielder to force his way back into the squad after the outburst on his teammates.
Since leaving Manchester United in 2012, Gibson impressed initially at Everton but was plagued by injuries. Those injuries and the instability at the club (three managers in five years), meant his game time was severely limited over the last five years.
His move to Sunderland last January did little to revive his career with the club already doomed to relegation. This season in the Championship was meant to signal a rebirth but his bar escapades looked to have put pay to that.
Although what Gibson said about his team mates last month may have been spot on, it was definitely the wrong time and place to do it as Sunderland had been beaten 5-0 by Celtic in a pre season game earlier that day.
It looks as though Gibson has reacted well to the club's sanctions though, and Grayson's words will come as a boost for a player desperately in need of an extended run of games.
