Name: Kieran Gibbs
Born: 26 September 1989 (Age 21)
International Honours: England U21 (14 caps, 3 goals) England (1 cap)
Gibbs began his rise to stardom back in 2001, joining Wimbledon's youth academy at the age of just 12.
After three years in south-west London Kieran opted for a move to Arsenal, turning his back on a move further north with the re-named Milton Keynes Dons.
He then spent three years playing in Arsenal youth and reserve sides, often being deployed as both a central midfielder and left-winger.
Now firmly established as a left-back, Gibbs got his first taste of senior action in a League Cup tie against Sheffield United in October of 2007.
Despite starting the game he struggled to make his mark on the first team, eventually being sent on loan to to Championship side Norwich City in January of 2008.
After seven appearances for the Canaries he returned to the Emirates in time for the start of the 2008-09 campaign.
Gibbs became a regular in Arsene Wenger's Carling Cup side but he then had to wait until Gael Clichy was injured in the North London derby in February of 2009 for his Premier League debut.
He replaced the injured Clichy and went on to play an integral part in the first team for the rest of the season, even starting Arsenal's FA Cup and Champions League semi-final defeats.
Gibbs started the season the 2009-10 season as first-choice left-back in the place of the injured Clichy, but broke a metatarsal in November which ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.
On the international stage Gibbs has represented England at U19, U20 and U21 level, making a total of 24 appearnaces and scoring three times.
Despite his lack of first team action for Arsenal, Gibbs was called up to the senior England squad by Fabio Capello in August of this year. He received his first and so far only senior cap after appearing as a substitute against Hungary at Wembley.
Source: DSG
