28. Darron Gibson

Republic of Ireland international Darron Gibson is an athletic midfielder who packs a powerful shot.

'Gibbo' has been in and around the first team for several seasons but it was in the 2008/09 campaign that he made a real breakthrough.

He scored his first goal for the seniors in the FA Cup win at Southampton in January 2009 and also played every game of the Reds' triumphant Carling Cup campaign, in which his composure and passing ability drew comparisons with Michael Carrick.

Darron made his first-team debut the day after his 18th

birthday, as a second-half substitute in the Carling Cup victory over Barnet in October 2005.

Gibson was a regular fixture in United's reserves that season (2005/06), making 19 appearances and scoring two goals in a campaign that yielded three trophies.

Darron's development was furthered in 2006/07 by a loan spell at Royal Antwerp. Although initially hampered by a knee injury, the midfielder made a big impact in Belgium, helping Antwerp almost to gain promotion.

Promotion to the top flight was also the target for Gibson's next loan period, this time in England with Wolves. The Irish midfielder joined Mick McCarthy's team in October 2007 and stayed for six months, making 24 appearances and scoring one goal, although Wolves just missed out on the play-offs.

Derry-born Gibson represented Northern Ireland at youth level but subsequently opted to play for the Republic of Ireland, making his international debut in August 2007, and is now a regular for his country.