I’m a Premier player
The No.1 pullout that scores EVERY time LOYALTY COST GIBSON WORLD CUP DREAM NEIL’S MAD FOR STRIKER
BEN GIBSON knew his World Cup dream was over once it was decided he would stay at Middlesbrough after last season’s relegation.
Almost a year on, the Boro defender admits his career is not quite where he would want it to be.
But that will change if Tony Pulis’ side return to the Premier League.
Victory at Derby today would keep them on course for the play-offs.
Relegation hit the 25-yearold hard and he would probably have left his hometown club had bids from West Brom, then managed by Pulis, and Stoke been accepted.
“I know I had a good season last year,” said Gibson, nephew of chairman Steve (inset).
“I thought I pl-ayed really well, the league suited me and I felt I belonged there.
Bones
“I make no bones about the fact I saw myself as a Premier League player.
“So yes, that is where I see myself and that is where I want to spend the rest of my career so I’ve got to give myself the best opportunity of getting back there.”
Gareth Southgate drafted him into the England squad in March last year but Gibson knew the consequences of remaining loyal to Boro.
“Once I knew I was staying, I knew I was giving up the opportunity to play at the World Cup,” he added. “I accepted that 100 per cent.
“I’m not naive enough to think that as a Championship player I am going to get in that squad.
“That was part of the sacrifice and that’s the way it is. It was something I got my head around last summer. ®Êby IAN MURTAGH “If we go up, then my England prospects come alive again but I would have to really fight to gain recognition. Last time, I was at the back of the queue and it will be the same again. “Anyway, that’s for the future. My one aim right now is to go up with Middlesbrough.” Gibson did not sulk when told he was going nowhere unlike some of his former team-mates who couldn’t quit quick enough when it was clear they were going down. It is something he feels bitter about. “I will always give 110 per cent while I’m here,” he said. “This is my club and everyone knows I’ve loved Boro since I was a little boy. “I ain’t going to be a Gaston Ramirez and down tools. You see a lot of players doing that these days but it’s unfair on family, fans, club and most importantly team-mates.” Gibson admits pre-season promotion favourites Boro have under-achieved. “Back in August, we wouldn’t have taken this position,” he said. “With the players we had and the money spent, a top two finish was the aim. “But you’ve got to play the hand you’re dealt with. “We’ve not lived up to expectations but there are three ways to get out of this league and the third way is still there. Of course, we’d rather win the league and fair play to Wolves, who have been fantastic but if we can sneak through the back door, that’s what we’ll do.” GOAL-SHY striker Gary Madine is worth his weight in gold, according to Neil Warnock.
Madine has not scored since promotion-chasing Cardiff paid Bolton £5m for him in January.
But Bluebirds boss Warnock believes Madine is the reason fellow hitman Ken Zahore is back in the goals.
“Strikers are judged on goals but I believe in Gary because I know what he does for the squad,” said ® Warnock ahead of tonight’s visit of Nottingham Forest. “Whether he is in the team or on the bench. I am absolutely delighted that I got him.
“We wouldn’t have been anywhere near where we are now if he hadn’t signed for us.
“He has spurred on Ken Zahore and it has brought out the best in him having some competition. He really softened up Norwich last weekend before Ken came on to score.
“That was a big factor in why Ken had a bit more space than he would normally have had.
“He won’t be everyone’s favourite because he doesn’t score many goals, and because we paid good money for him, but Gary has a major contribution to make.
“He knows what his manager thinks about him and that’s the main thing for any player.”