BREAKING: Darron Gibson has been released by Sunderland

Sunderland have confirmed that midfielder Darron Gibson has left the club by mutual consent.

The 30-year-old had been suspended by the club earlier in the month after the Republic of Ireland international was charged with drink driving on March 18. Gibson, who began his career at Manchester United and also played for Everton, has not played for the Black Cats since New Year's Day due to injury. His contract at the Stadium of Light was due to expire at the end of the current season. Gibson had made 30 appearances in all competitions for the north east club, joining them 14 months ago from Everton. Gibson's former Sunderland teammates remain in a battle to stay in the Championship, although their 4-1 victory at Derby County on Friday evening will have given them belief that they can escape relegation.