DARRON GIBSON has described how keen he was to ‘get out’ of Everton and join Sunderland, some 17 years after he almost signed for the Wearside club as a schoolboy.

The Irish midfielder completed a pre-deadline day move to the Black Cats from Everton along with his Goodison team-mate Bryan Oviedo in a combined £7.5m deal.

David Moyes, who signed them both during his days at Everton, will now monitor the pair’s fitness and the signs are that they will figure against Crystal Palace tomorrow afternoon.

Gibson’s only appearance so far this season was for Everton in the EFL Cup against Yeovil and he was only used sporadically last term too, so he is eager to make up for lost time.

He said: “It is exciting for me because I have enjoyed training again in the last couple of days, which is something I have not enjoyed for a while. Hopefully I can get the games in now.

“The manager here took me to Everton from Manchester United and in my opinion I played some of my best football under him for the first two years I was there. Hopefully I can do the same thing here.”

Moyes signed Gibson from Old Trafford five years ago and has already suggested he wants the attacking midfielder to effectively shoot on sight to help improve Sunderland’s goals return.

But the Londonderry-born 29-year-old could have been playing at Sunderland sooner. He said: “I have had a tough two years down at Everton, not playing, so I needed a new start. I needed to start to enjoy football again so I am pleased it has got done.

“I nearly signed here when I was about 14 and I have been linked a few times in the last few years as well. Obviously it didn’t happen, this time it did. I was coming over when I was about 12 on trial. It was the year Sunderland went down. That put me off and I signed for United instead!”

This time, even with Sunderland rooted to the foot of the Premier League and five points adrift of safety, Gibson didn’t have any concerns and Moyes was a major factor.

He said: “I heard the rumours this time but I’d not had any contact with anyone. Sunday evening my agent rang to say it could be on, so I jumped in my car and here I am after it got done on Monday morning.

“Having worked under David Moyes before that was a big influence. I needed out of there (Everton). There were a few options but nothing I fancied as much as this, it will be a challenge but I am looking forward to it.

“I don’t think you can do anything other than work hard in our position, obviously it is going to be tough but we have a good run of games against teams in and around us.

“The game at the weekend is a massive game. Hopefully we can build on the game the other night. We were defensively solid and the manager set us well.”

Gibson, speaking at the top of Penshaw Monument where he was shown around by skipper John O’Shea, insists he is fit enough to play, even if his last first team outing in August.

He said: “I was fit until I walked up these 1000 steps. I feel good, I have trained all season it’s just games are different. Hopefully it won’t take me long to get in the swing of things.”

Oviedo, who joined Gibson at Penshaw yesterday, has been granted his work permit and international clearance to figure against Palace as well. The 26-year-old has not played since November.

The Costa Rican said: “I am so happy to be here, to have the chance to help the team, to play. It’s a very good opportunity for me and I’ll be working hard.

“At Everton I didn’t play as much as I wanted, sometimes and sometimes not. Here I should have more chances to play and I will do my best to help the team get out of this position. The manager told me he wants me to enjoy my football and help the team in every aspect.”

* Sunderland’s ‘Keep the faith’ has long been a phrase synonymous with the belief and dedication of Sunderland’s loyal support for years.

To recognise this as the season end draws closer, the club has joined the conversation. #keepthefaith hopes to encourage Sunderland supporters to come to the games in their numbers, wearing their red and white stripes.

  • Sunderland fans can buy the home adult shirt at the reduced price of £18.79 – available from club stores or online at SAFCstore.com.