Would have to be a contender for Irish player of the season in terms of his development at club level. Probably between him, Szmodics and Kelleher, but unlike Szmodics O'Brien did it in one of the big five leagues and unlike Kelleher he did it for pretty much the whole season. (Maybe an honourable mention for Scales as well).
He's comfortably the youngest of the three also. Great to see a player breaking through almost from nowhere like that, even if it is yet another centre back.
In fairness, they picked up five points in his first six games and ended the season with the worst defensive record of anyone outside the bottom three.
It's been an unexpected bonus having someone break through in one of the big 5 Euro leagues, but let's steer away from the idea he turned things around himself.
It was reported yesterday that Mbappe could miss the final
https://rmcsport.bfmtv.com/football/...405200061.html
(in French)
O'Brien's sporting achievements are incredible, really. A true athlete.
His journey in the game is a classic example of how young players should always try to forge their own path, back themselves to the hilt and never be dissuaded by naysayers. Good on him.
End Apartheid Now! One Team in Ireland!
https://www.theguardian.com/football...WsNGPBxqNSglB7
Good article about him here. Really highlights how no one seen a season like this coming from him. Even us on here who talk about Irish football an unhealthy amount still under rate what he's even done this season I think
Its really not that complicated!!!
The fact that he got and started every game bar one due to suspension is some going.
They have Caleta Car and Lovren on their books, as well as a couple of others at centre half. Lovren started alongside Caleta Car and O'Brien when they were playing a back 5. He's fallen to the bench and hasn't got a look in really. It looks like O'Brien hasn't been subbed either. There's a 10 cap Ivorian that can't make the bench too.
Really hope the lad starts against Hungary. Think he'll provide the perfect replacement for Duffy when it comes to defending and attacking set pieces.
Definitely, it's what we want to see as many of our younger players as possible do, when they get an opportunity grab it and kick on. Ferguson, Collins, O'Shea, Bazunu and now most recently Kelleher and O'Brien have done that to their credit. Hopefully Azaz will be next and Omobamidele will nail down a starting spot at Forest also. Honourable mention for Idah in Scotland too and Smallbone has been good for Southampton.
Last edited by Eirambler; 24/05/2024 at 9:04 AM.
Gets a goal back for Lyon in the 55th min. Currently 2-1 to PSG.
Cool! First Irish player to score in a non-Irish Cup final in... well, about four hours.
But before that though? Anthony Stokes for Hibs in 2016?
Edit - Jonny Hayes scored for Aberdeen in the 2017 final. Any improvements on that?
Last edited by pineapple stu; 25/05/2024 at 8:28 PM.
I know Aldridge and Stapleton have cup final goals to their names.
Here’s a good one (courtesy of Google)…
Cilian Sheridan - APOEL (2014)
Bookmarks