Gibson told to shoot

Gibson: Urged to shoot

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has urged Darron Gibson to shoot on sight against Macedonia.

The midfielder has a habit of scoring from distance for Manchester United and Trapattoni believes those skills will come in handy in their Euro 2012 qualifier.

The Italian tactician thinks Macedonia like to play a compact deep defence and feels the space will be there for Gibson to try his luck at shooting from distance.

Trapattoni has also given ex-Celtic man Aiden McGeady the license to shoot when possible while he believes Derby midfielder Paul Green's aggression will be better utilised against other opponents.

Shoot

"I have seen many of Macedonia's games and usually away from home, they play very deep," explained Trapattoni.

"I have told Gibson to get on the ball and when he is on the ball, to shoot.

"The way they play, it is better for Gibson, who can control the ball quickly and shoot.

"Against opponents who are more technical and creative, Paul Green may be more suited because he is very aggressive.

"But in this game, we will have a lot of space until we get to the edge of the box, and I have told Gibson and Aiden McGeady as well to shoot whenever they can.

"It will be very difficult to work our way into the box, and shooting from outside the box is a good option for us. That is the reason why Gibson and not Paul Green is starting."