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Petr Cech is probably a relieved man after hearing that Darron Gibson has been ruled out of the Ireland squad to face the Czech Republic next week.

The Everton midfielder has withdrawn from the squad after picking up a knee injury, meaning that the Czech defence and goalkeeper can expect some respite from Gibson’s well-known prowess around the edge of the penalty area.

Although a statement on the Everton website suggests that the extent of the injury is not yet known, early reports are suggesting he could be sidelined for up to a month.

Gibson has been a success since joining the Toffees from Manchester United in the January transfer window and has gone some way to casting off the impression that he is little more than an average midfielder with a fierce right peg.

Gibson played nearly all of Everton’s FA Cup win over Blackpool at the weekend but was withdrawn minutes before the finish, which might explain the seemingly baffling decision to call up Paul Green along with James McClean earlier this week.