Phil Jagielka feels Darron Gibson is vital to Everton's Champions League hopes

11 December 2012 10:21
Everton defender Phil Jagielka believes the return to fitness of Darron Gibson could give them the edge to finish in the top four.

Gibson, who has returned to action in recent weeks after two months on the sidelines with a thigh injury, has yet to play on the losing team when he turns out for Everton. The 25-year-old was inspirational in Everton's dramatic 2-1 win over Tottenham on Sunday and Jagielka believes the former Manchester United man is key to their chances of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League next season.

"Gibbo is massively important for us," Jagielka told the Daily Post.

"It's important to have someone who can keep the opposing defence on their toes purely knowing if he does get a bit of time, he can be like our quarterback and start putting in some fantastic passes.

"Maybe Gibbo hasn't scored that many since he has been here, he's not a dribbler and not what you'd see as a fancy dan sort of player.

"But if you filmed his role in the team and watched it back there'd be some fantastic passes, great tackles and some clever football.

"He came from a great club in Man United and it proves that way with the time he finds on the ball and the confidence he has in those long-range passes."

Source: team_talk