Gibson Again In Contention

Moyes confirms midfielder is fit to play against Aston Villa.

David Moyes has welcomed the return to fitness of Darron Gibson, who could be set to make his second appearance in four days against Aston Villa this weekend.

The Irish midfielder returned from a thigh injury in the win over West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday night, emerging from the substitutes’ bench with 25 minutes remaining for his first action in a month.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Moyes confirmed that the former Manchester United man is again in his thinking for Saturday.

“It was important that we got him [Gibson] a bit of the game,” said Moyes. “We need him back to add to the numbers and he is in contention for tomorrow’s game.

“I’m glad to get him back out. I don’t think we have got a lot of injuries but the minute we get one or two, it can make an indent on us.

“We are trying to keep as many of them fit and I have got to give them credit because they keep going.”

Moyes also explained his reasons for leaving Nikica Jelavic out of his starting line-up for the win over the Baggies.

Victor Anichebe was selected to spearhead the attack, with Kevin Mirallas, Steven Pienaar and Marouane Fellaini offering support from midfield.

Moyes added: “It’s something I had been considering for a while. I wanted to give him [Jelavic] every opportunity to get goals but it didn’t quite happen.

“It was something I was reluctant to do but I felt in the end that it was right to give him a breather. I actually thought Victor did well in the game; he offered us something different.

“Hopefully we will get Jela back to form, that’s the key to it all.”