Joey O'Brien

[tetsujin1979]

we had a thread a few years ago, when you were a buachall og rather than a seanfhear, and the list of Irish prospects cut down by serious injury was staggering, both in its length and the quality of the prospects. I've forgotten most by now but it included Colin Healy and Richard Sadlier. Who was the poor red haired Wayne Rooney lookalike? Terry Dixon? Went from Spurs to non league in Kent after a horrible knee injury.

Yeah Dixon, destroyed his knee cap twice.

[paul_oshea]

we had a thread a few years ago, when you were a buachall og rather than a seanfhear, and the list of Irish prospects cut down by serious injury was staggering, both in its length and the quality of the prospects. I've forgotten most by now but it included Colin Healy and Richard Sadlier. Who was the poor red haired Wayne Rooney lookalike? Terry Dixon? Went from Spurs to non league in Kent after a horrible knee injury.

Terry dixon st Ignatius of Enfield fame we discussed him before....stauton called him up you were excited. I remember thinking this could be it.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

I saw Joey O'Brien down at Crumlin Utd watching a relative play football about 18 months ago. A nice summers day so everyone in shorts and short shirts. The first impression I got was the guy was too skinny. That might sound ironic coming from a fat bast@rd who could probably eat Joey O'Brien in one sitting and ask for seconds, but that was my gut reaction. It wasn't toned, it was slightness.

Always wanted more for the guy, but it never happened.

I always thought Glenn Whelan and Keith Andrews were rather slight in terms of physique.

Then again, I'm 6 ft.2 and N'Golo Kante could probably brush me aside.

[DeLorean]

Then again, I'm 6 ft.2 and N'Golo Kante could probably brush me aside.

I'd guess you're a bit young to be shrinking, Towk


Now take into account I am 6 ft. 3 and this dude was almost a foot taller than me. And we were in a corridor packed with hundreds of people. And I am already claustrophobic.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

In shoes I'm 6 ft. 3.

[tetsujin1979]

so you're 6 foot 2

[nigel-harps1954]

Trying to earn a contract at Shamrock Rovers accordig to Neil O'Riordan today.

[Fixer82]

I remember O'Brien playing really well against Germany in Croke Park in a game in which Andy Reid really shone.
Listening to Reid speak in an interview after the game i thought 'this guy is a future irish captain.'
With the likes of O'Brien, Andy Reid and Steven Reid, Stephen Ireland and a few others coming through, the future looked bright.
Alas, non of the aforementioned were frequently spotted thereafter in a green jersey.

[OwlsFan]

I remember O'Brien playing really well against Germany in Croke Park in a game in which Andy Reid really shone.
Listening to Reid speak in an interview after the game i thought 'this guy is a future irish captain.'
With the likes of O'Brien, Andy Reid and Steven Reid, Stephen Ireland and a few others coming through, the future looked bright.
Alas, non of the aforementioned were frequently spotted thereafter in a green jersey.

Joey was one of those good players who was cursed with incessant injuries averaging around 13 games a season. I saw him turn out a few times for Wednesday and he was excellent.

[Olé Olé]

Joey was one of those good players who was cursed with incessant injuries averaging around 13 games a season. I saw him turn out a few times for Wednesday and he was excellent.

Could have been a right good player. Midfield and right back. Good ball player in midfield he was.

Steven Reid was crippled with injuries also. 05/06 season he was a powerhouse for Blackburn. There wasn't much he couldn't do in the engine room.

[drummerboy]

Joey O'Brien now being linked with ROvers, if he can prove his fitness

[brine3]

We have had a few that never fulfilled their true potential due to injuries ; Stephen Reid , Stephen Carr , David Myler and thats just a few to name off the top of my head .

And how about the number of young fellas that got injuries that stopped them early in their careers .

One of the first things you need to make it in football is to be lucky with injuries and have a body that can stand up to the rigours of professional football .

We need to stop sending our players to the English leagues to be used as cannon fodder in some League 1 relegation battle.

Develop them here at home if possible, otherwise send them to Holland or France or something, where they might actually be looked after.

[OwlsFan]

We need to stop sending our players to the English leagues to be used as cannon fodder in some League 1 relegation battle.

Develop them here at home if possible, otherwise send them to Holland or France or something, where they might actually be looked after.

There is no person who sends the players off to the English leagues. It is the choice of each individual. "Send them to Holland or France" ? There has to be someone over there who will accept or want them. Anyway, most of the players in Holland or France who are any good end up in the English leagues chasing the big shilling like our lads and who can blame them.

[brine3]

Anyway, most of the players in Holland or France who are any good end up in the English leagues chasing the big shilling like our lads and who can blame them.

They don't leave Holland until they are 21/22. Ours go over to England aged 15/16.

Gives them time to develop in a good environment and get some game time under their belts.


There is no person who sends the players off to the English leagues. It is the choice of each individual. "Send them to Holland or France" ? There has to be someone over there who will accept or want them.

Indeed. We can have a defeatist attitude and say it is not possible. Or we can do something about it. FAI currently not doing something about it.

[tetsujin1979]

They don't leave Holland until they are 21/22. Ours go over to England aged 15/16.

Gives them time to develop in a good environment and get some game time under their belts.
I'm pretty sure there's some players who leave the Netherlands before then.


Indeed. We can have a defeatist attitude and say it is not possible. Or we can do something about it. FAI currently not doing something about it.Apart from the U19/U17/U15 leagues and creating links between the schoolboy clubs and league sides?