Everton manager David Moyes hails Darron Gibson after making debut against Aston Villa

The Scot believes the midfielder could play a key role in the side when match-fit, whilst also praising the contributions of Shane Duffy and Landon Donovan in the draw

14 Jan 2012 20:00:00

By Sam Bisby at Villa Park

More On :  Aston Villa, Everton, Darron Gibson, Landon Donovan, David Moyes, Shane Duffy, Aston Villa vs Everton

Everton manager David Moyes has praised Darron Gibson after he made his debut for the club in the 1-1 draw against Aston Villa.

Don't Miss

The game was only the midfielder's second appearance of the season in the Premier League, but his manager has praised his performance and claims the player would have been attracting interest from a number of teams before completing his move to Goodison Park on Friday.

Moyes told reporters: "I thought Gibson played well, he put a great ball through for Tim Cahill and I thought he should have possibly connected to it.

“He’ll benefit from some regular games, you can see he just ran out of steam midway through the second half.

“The boys that have come from Manchester United tend to do quite well for us.

“Anyone who saw the game would think he did a decent job for us. I think nine or 10 Premier League clubs would like to have signed Darron Gibson.”

Twenty-year-old Shane Duffy made his first league start for the club alongside John Heitinga at centre-back, and Moyes was full of praise for the youngster.

He continued: “We put in a centre-half today that has never been in a Premier League game and he’s done terrific.

“The big boy [Shane] Duffy done great today and you can see he’s had a few months on loan at Scunthorpe and he came through the game well.”

In a week which has seen Thierry Henry loaned from the MLS and have an immediate impact on his return to English football, Moyes was also quick to hail his own loanee from America, Landon Donovan.

“I thought Landon [Donovan] was the best player on the pitch today,” he added.

“For Landon Donovan to come here and play 90 minutes and not get taken off, it’s a testament to how professional he is.

“I thought his energy was fantastic today and it’s a credit to him to come here and do that.”

Of the game itself, Moyes believes his side were perhaps a little hard done by not to take all three points from Villa Park.

When asked if he thought his side deserved more than a draw, the Scot replied: “Yes, but I’m sure Alex [McLeish] will say the same.

“I thought we played well, I thought we started the game well and passed the ball nicely, making a few good opportunities without actually making Shay Given make too many saves.”

Follow Goal.com on Twitter

Follow Goal.com on Facebook
 
play pause open close
Inside Goal.Com
  1. Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line

    England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012

  2. How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory

    Ashley Young all but secured his place in the starting line-up against France while captain Steven Gerrard put a good shift in. Joe Hart, however, needs to remain focused

  3. In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012 In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012

    The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament

  4. Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job

    The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday

  5. Hungary - Republic of Ireland Preview Hungary - Republic of Ireland Preview

    Veteran Italian coach takes his Irish side to Újpest in Hungary for their last warm-up match before their highly-anticipated Euro 2012 opener against Group C rivals Croatia