Report: Darron Gibson poised for long layoff

Everton midfielder Darron Gibson is expected to miss months of action after suffering a serious knee injury during Republic of Ireland's World Cup qualifier with Kazakhstan.

The 25-year-old was stretchered off in the first half of a 3-1 victory at the Aviva Stadium, during which Robbie Keane and John O'Shea were among the goals.

An immediate diagnosis indicated that Gibson may have suffered ligament damage, but nothing will be confirmed until he undergoes a scan when he links back up with Everton on Wednesday.

Toffees manager Roberto Martinez was a spectator in Dublin and, according to the Daily Mail, consoled a discomforted Gibson in the Ireland changing room.

On the injury, the Republic's caretaker boss Noel King told reporters: "It wasn't nice and it doesn't look the best, but he is with the medical people."

Gibson had only recently returned to Everton's first team after missing the start of the Premier League season with another knee problem.