Alan Knill says Scunthorpe United have given Robbie Gibbons a chance to get his career back on track.

And the Iron boss is confident the move will pay dividends for both parties.

Gibbons signed an 18-month contract on Tuesday, bringing to an end a difficult year for the teenager, who was released by Nottingham Forest this time last year.

He offers versatility and, according to Knill, a 'refreshing' attitude, and he has impressed while on a three-week trial at Glanford Park.

"There's something about him that's really good. He wants to do well and this is a chance for him to get going again," Knill told the Telegraph.

"He is so enthusiastic and his first thought isn't about money and how much he can earn, which is refreshing.

"He wants to play and do better and he knows if he works hard and listens, the other bit will come.

"He's been good and one we're looking at possibly for now, but mainly for the future."

Gibbons, who can play in the centre or on the left of midfield and also at left-back, has spent the last year with Cypriot top-flight side Alki Larnaca, but has of late been locked in a dispute over unpaid wages.

After referring the case to governing body FIFA, he finally had his three-and-a-half-year contract terminated on Tuesday, opening the door for a United deal.

It has been a drawn-out process though that has been frustrating for both the Iron and the 19-year-old.

"We were having slight problems with clearance, which is what held everything back," explained Knill.

"They weren't paying him, but they held his registration and we couldn't get clearance. It's rubbish really.

"The English FA couldn't get hold of the Cypriot FA to get a definite answer on what was happening.

"He played well in the behind closed doors game at Doncaster (a week ago) and since then we had been trying to get something sorted, but it proved difficult.

"The worst thing is it's the player who is the innocent one and he still hasn't been able to play football.

"Maybe Mr Blatter would like to look at that, amongst other things."