Andrew O’Brien christened Andrew James O'Brien is an Irish footballer, born on June 26, 1979 in Harrogate, England and owns dual citizenship, both Britain and Ireland. He has represented the England national Under-18 and Under-21 football teams, by playing a couple of games. In 1999, while playing for England national Under-21 team, in a match against France, Andrew O’Brien played an important role in defending a goal, ultimately leading to the defeat of France.
Initially, Andrew O’Brien made his international debut for Republic of Ireland in the under-21 team category. After his outstanding performances for the Newcastle United F.C in 2001, he earned his first cap to play for the Republic of Ireland national football team against Estonia in Tallinn. Subsequently, he became a regular player for the Irish team, and went on to become a prominent member in the 2002 World Cup. Andrew O’Brien scored his first goal for the Republic of Ireland in a match against Portugal on February 9, 2005 helping Ireland to a 1-0 win. In his tenure with the Republic of Ireland national football team, he has played 26 matches.
While studying at St.John Fisher Catholic High School, Harrogate, Andrew O’Brien started his football career under the personal responsibility of his manager, Max Mills. His skills in football as a defender caught the attention of Bradford City Association Football Club (A.F.C), where he joined Bradford City’s junior ranks in 1994.
In October 1996, Andrew O’Brien made his debut as a senior player for Bradford City against Queens Park Rangers in a First Division clash. He was soon a regular player in the Bradford City’s first team. During the 1998-99 season, Andrew O’Brien was instrumental in Bradford City’s promotion to the Football Association (F.A) Premier League. In the 2000-01 season, he came to be known as Bradford's “Mr.Reliable” owing to his contribution along with a few other Bantams in the battle against relegation of Bradford City from Premiership. Andrew O’Brien was a regular player in the 1998-99 and 1999-2000 seasons, in the Premier League, for the Bradford City side, and went on to form a partnership in central defense with David Wetherall, Bradford City captain.
In March 2001, Andrew O’Brien was signed by Newcastle United Football Club (F.C), and moved to St James’ Park, home of Newcastle United F.C. Soon, he became a pivotal figure in the Magpies defense and had a four year stint with Newcastle United F.C.
After his spell with Newcastle United F.C, Andrew O’Brien was signed by Alain Perrin, former Portsmouth manager, in 2005 and became the first player to be signed by Alain for Portsmouth. After 32 appearances for Portsmouth, on August 13, 2007, Andrew O’Brien signed for Bolton Wanderers. In March 2008, he took over as captain and lead the Wanderers in a match against Sporting Lisbon in the (Union of European Football Associations) UEFA Cup and helped the team to a 1-1 draw.
Owing to stupendous effort, Andrew O’Brien was named the ‘Player of the Season’ by The Bolton News for the 2007–08 season.
