Mark O'Brien

**tricky_colour** · 20/08/2011, 11:37 PM

He got a mention on The football league show today, Derby joint top after 4 games and have not conceded a goal yet. Looks a very bright prospect indeed.

[edit] I need to make a slight adjustment to the above, Derby did concede a goal against Birmingham, but get this, O'Brien was not on the pitch as he came on as a sub on 35 minute and they have not conceded a goal since, so that makes him appear even better IMO.

I just found this rather ungrateful post in a Derby forum:

I think the key will be when to handle taking O'Brien out. He's done amazingly but with him not being great on the ball it's slightly restrictive, at this point. Also I'd hate for him to ruin his good start by making a mistake.

**Predator** · 27/08/2011, 9:47 PM

Nice article here: http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/...303062824.html

**tweetering** · 30/08/2011, 4:59 PM

Feature on Mark O'Brien on English Tv

**tommy_c12000** · 30/08/2011, 9:08 PM

Originally Posted by Predator

Nice article here: http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/...303062824.html

One aspect of the article that really surprised me was that Mark got a pig's valve. (“They took my aortic valve out and replaced it with a pig’s aortic valve).
Pig valves are a lot less durable than metal mechanical valves and are generally reserved for more elderly patients. Typically they may have a life span of 10 years. The one major advantage of using them is that the patient does not have to go on blood thinners. Maybe this was a deciding factor when they were making the decision as playing competitive football on a daily basis would increase the risk of trauma and thus increase the bleeding risk. (This is me just musing outloud. Really can't say for certain as I have very little experience in that area). Metal mechanical valves require life long blood thinners but can last the lifetime of the patient.

The bottom line is that Mark will require more open heart surgery in his late 20s/early 30s. Just wondering if anyone knows if this is the norm for participants in contact sports to go with pig valves to "get through" their sporting careers, then undergo the traumatic stress of another open heart surgery to get a metal valve in?? It seems to me like a admirable brave decision to pursue his dream of being a professional footballer.

**Paddy Garcia** · 30/08/2011, 9:34 PM

Human valves are commonly used for both aortic and pulmonary replacements.

**ifk101** · 13/09/2011, 11:33 AM

Signs four year contract with Derby.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/14897272.stm

**Sullivinho** · 13/09/2011, 3:27 PM

The 18-year-old Republic of Ireland Under-19 international has seized his chance in the first team this season, featuring in all seven Rams games.

I didn't realise he was that young. From heart surgery to the first team before 19, fair play to him.

**bwagner** · 13/09/2011, 3:50 PM

The likes of him and Hendrick are players we should be blooding in when there are friendly games not chasing English bums like Sterman or Chambers

**drummerboy** · 13/09/2011, 4:45 PM

He was on standby for recent u21 games and should be included fairly soon.

**tetsujin1979** · 13/09/2011, 5:01 PM

Originally Posted by Sullivinho

I didn't realise he was that young. From heart surgery to the first team before 19, fair play to him.

he made his debut for the club at 16

**Paddy Garcia** · 16/09/2011, 7:57 PM

Looks like the plan was to loan him out this season - fair play to him for making such a compelling start to the season - only possible through the injury of others.

http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/O-...ail/story.html

**tommy_c12000** · 17/09/2011, 2:13 PM

Great 2-1 win today for Derby having played the vast majority of the game with 10 men. Judging by the forums the back 4 were immense (which includes O'Brien). Hendrick scored a supposed cracker for the winner, will be well worth the look on the Football Show tonight

**AlaskaFox** · 17/09/2011, 6:31 PM

Here's his celebration, not for the faint of heart or epileptics:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raEw0fQW8h8

**tommy_c12000** · 17/09/2011, 6:51 PM

With Dunne out for the Andorra game, let's throw Mark O'Brien in there. He'll do a job for us

**liamoo11** · 18/09/2011, 12:05 AM

Remember when mcshane was player of year at brighton at same age? Lets not get carried away. The lad looks a bit on the small side for a centre half like mcshane and was at fault for forest goal when he was outjumped in build up. Im sure he wil be excellent player but o dea will do nicely for upcoming games

**tetsujin1979** · 18/09/2011, 12:49 AM

Agreed, promoting him to the senior squad now would be more like a punishment for the likes of Delaney and O'Dea who have done nothing wrong and deserve their chance with Dunne suspended

**tommy_c12000** · 18/09/2011, 8:18 AM

Originally Posted by tetsujin1979

Agreed

Knew you'd be with me on this one Tets. On a serious note, he looks like a great prospect for the World Cup 2014 campaign. Birthday in Nov so will to touching on 20 when the campaign starts

**Eminence Grise** · 18/09/2011, 11:09 AM

Let him continue getting experience and toughening up before bringing him into the squad. 60-70 games over the next two seasons and regular U21 appearances will do more for him than trying to dislodge Dunne, St Ledger and O'Dea. I think tommy_c12000 is right that 2014 could be his time. As for being small for a centrehalf - he still has two-three years growing left, and after that filling out, so I wouldn't worry too much just yet.

**Predator** · 18/09/2011, 12:34 PM

O'Brien is a warrior of a kid. He's made an amazing recovery. However, while he's been playing at CB, he does seem quite small in stature and I think the physicality of some of our other emerging CBs mean that he'll face stiff competition. I believe he has also played at RB and midfield for the U19s so who knows where he'll break into the team?