The match at Thomond Park is the Republic's last before their World Cup qualifier in Cyprus early next month, so much will be read into the Italian's starting line-up ahead of that key game.

Gibson, 21, has just five international caps to his name but after Trapattoni handed him his first Republic start last October his stock has risen for both club and country.

In the summer he was handed a new United contract following which Sir Alex Ferguson admitted he expected the midfielder to play a greater role ahead of the new season.

Trapattoni is also clearly an admirer and said today he will make a late decision on whether to start Gibson, or instead opt for the experience of 28-year-old Keith Andrews.

"I wish to see the new players like Gibson so maybe I will start Gibson for Andrews," he said.

"I wish to see the young players grow. Gibson and Andrews are similar players, but Gibson also has another vision. It is important to be strong and he has a strong personality.

"It is very important we give him a chance to grow as a player."

Trapattoni, however, warned that should Gibson start tomorrow that did not mean he would definitely get the nod against Cyprus on September 5.

Indeed, if he was it would be harsh on Andrews who was Trapattoni's preferred choice when the Republic clinched impressive away draws against Italy and Bulgaria in their previous two World Cup meetings.

"With Gibson and (Eddie) Nolan we have two young players, who can come in and be confident in the team, but this is maybe not the team in Cyprus," he said.

"Don't think ahead."

The Italian also denied Stephen Hunt's departure to complete a move to Hull had disrupted their preparations for tomorrow's game.

Hunt returned to the squad this afternoon, after flying out yesterday, and Trapattoni said: "No, in this position we have enough good players so it is not disruption.

"We have Liam Lawrence who can play there so it is fine."

The Republic currently sit second in their World Cup qualification group, just a point behind leaders Italy, and with real hope of playing in next year's finals.

Tomorrow's opponents have already booked their place on the plane to South Africa and at 16th in FIFA's official rankings, are 21 places higher than the Republic.

Trapattoni therefore believes Australia will provide the perfect preparation ahead of next month's crunch encounter.

"It's a good approach match for us to prepare for this important game against Cyprus," he said.

"We know they are strong and have many players in England, Scotland and even Russia. They have lots of different personalities which helps them.

"We are preparing for this match with maximum attention, because the result is always important."