Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill has reportedly told his assistant coach Roy Keane to help Darron Gibson revive his career.

The Everton midfielder, who has had an injury-plagued few years, recently admitted to a drunken hit and run, which left a cyclist injured.

Gibson has not played for his nation for 11 months, but O'Neill has included the 27-year-old in his provisional 40-man squad for next month's final two Euro 2016 qualifiers.

According to the Daily Mail, O'Neill has "left [Gibson] alone", but Keane has had words with his ex-Manchester United teammate.

When asked if he thinks that Gibson will be ready in time, O'Neill said: "I think it will be difficult, but you never know. I don't know exactly his state of fitness. Sometimes when you phone Darron you don't always necessarily get a reply. He says the same about me."

Ireland will face Germany and Poland in their qualifiers next month.