It's fair enough if lads have opinions on players and feel we'd be better off going down a different road, but trying to play mind-reader with the manager's thoughts on the player is just simply sad, speculative guff, especially when all indications of Bobby's actual opinions are to the contrary. I'm sure that a fit Gibson will be in Martinez plans.
I know Martinez is a positive guy but these are the things he's had to say about Gibson:
-“Darron’s a special footballer. What he brings to the team is quite unique and I think he is one of those players that is at the perfect moment of his career. He’s ready to take a big role at Everton."
-“We need Darron fit too. Darron is a special player and he brings something different to the side."
-"I thought it was important for Darron Gibson to get some playing time after so long away. We need that competition and that know how. He is a vital player for us so it was great to see him get that time on the pitch and it will be very beneficial for him."
-“Gibbo has been working really hard in pre season and was magnificent. He had the setback against Betis, which was the medial ligament. For him to come back against Man City and get half an hour under his belt, then perform in the manner he did for Ireland showed that he was back to his best. The experience will give him the right character he needs to fulfil his enormous potential. He has years ahead of him."
-"To see him back before the end of the season would be an incredible boost. He’d bring freshness and desire and the mentality he has developed over the last few months, focusing so intently on getting back, is a real positive and something we’d welcome in the side. If we could get him back at the end of April so he’s ready for that final push for those last few points in the league it could be very important.”
-"He is well ahead of schedule and that always pleases me, to see a player get ahead of the timing because it shows all the hard work they put in behind the scenes when nobody is watching. The desire of Darron has been sensational in that respect and to have him around the place is a great sign. It will be great for him to be involved one way or another before the season ends, even though that would be an incredible and remarkable achievement since looking back on when the injury happened with the national team."
Also, Graeme Jones' thoughts from pre-season:
-“We need to keep Darron fit because everyone has seen his quality tonight and a lot of our play went through him. Early on he looks like our playmaker although there’s a long way to go. He’s a fit boy but he’s been unfortunate in the past to pick up a few injuries. He’s in the prime of his career now though and hopefully he’s going to have a pattern of play that suits his talent."