IT WAS A disappointing deadline day for Ireland international Darron Gibson, as a loan move failed to materialise.

Everton coach Roberto Martinez previously indicated Gibson would be made available for a loan move, but a report in The Liverpool Echo today suggested the former Man United midfielder is now set to stay at the Toffees until the end of the season at least.

Gibson faces stiff competition for a midfield spot, as he vies for a starting spot with James McCarthy, Gareth Barry, Tom Cleverley and Muhamed Bešić, though a recent injury to the latter may have forced Everton to reconsider offloading the Derry native.

Should he continue to struggle for first-team football, the 28-year-old midfielder’s Euro 2016 hopes may be in jeopardy.

Meanwhile, Gibson’s teammate Aiden McGeady sealed a loan move to Championship side Sheffield Wednesday earlier, having made just one appearance for Everton so far this season.

In other Irish football news, ex-UCD midfielder Gary Dicker left League Two team Carlisle to sign for Scottish Premiership strugglers Kilmarnock.

Pat Hoban, another ex-League of Ireland player joined Stevenage from Oxford, while Ireland underage international Connor Dimaio signed for Chesterfield, having been released by Sheffield United last season.

In other League of Ireland-related news, League One outfit Swindon Town reportedly had a bid rejected for St Pat’s defender Sean Hoare.

Finally, Irish-born defender Shane O’Neill — who is a USA underage international — joined Cambridge United on loan from Cypriot side Apollon Limassol.

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