Republic of Ireland midfielder Darron Gibson leaves Sunderland by mutual consent

Republic of Ireland international Darron Gibson has parted company with English Championship club Sunderland by mutual consent following the completion of a recent suspension.

The Derryman has been on the books at the Stadium of Light since making the switch from Everton last January but couldn't prevent the club from suffering relegation from the Premier League.

A club statement read: “Following the conclusion of his recent suspension, Darron Gibson will leave Sunderland AFC by mutual consent.”

30-year-old Gibson.has amassed 27 caps for Ireland, scoring once in a Carling Nations Cup game against Wales in 2011.

However the midfielder hasn't appeared for the national team since the 2016 pre-European Championships friendly defeat to Belarus and wasn't selected in the squad that travelled to France.

Gibson represented Northern Ireland at under-16 level but switched his allegiance to the Republic at under-17 level and continued up to senior international level.

He played underage football in Derry with Institute before signing for Manchester United in 2004 as a 16-year-old.

Gibson debuted for the Red Devils in a League Cup game the following year, and spent seasons on loan with United's feeder club Royal Antwerp and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

He made his breakthrough at Old Trafford in the 2008 season and would make regular appearances in the first team over the next few years, scoring in two Champions League semi-finals.

The midfielder made the move to Everton in 2012 and became a regular fixture before a cruciate knee injury suffered on international duty in 2013 curtailed his subsequent involvement.