O'Brien's future in balance

[Scottish Mag 3]

Alan O'Brien may yet have a future at Newcastle United.

 

The Republic of Ireland winger is currently out of contract with United, but may sign a new deal under Toon boss Sam Allardyce after keeping his options open before flying out to the US with his country last week.

 

The 22-year-old shone in the 1-1 draw with Bolivia and set up a goal for Ireland's Shane Long to impress boss Steve Staunton during the tour game in Boston.

 

The speedy winger has now collected five caps for his country, but has struggled to make an impact in the first-team pool at Newcastle, despite several openings in the last two seasons.

 

O'Brien has often impressed in the reserves without transferring his form to the first team, but with contract talks about to resume shortly with Allardyce, the winger might give it one last shot at St James' Park.

 

 

His reserve-team boss Lee Clark told the Chronicle: "The last I heard Alan was in talks with the club about a new contract.

 

"It is in Alan's hands and he holds the aces.

 

"He may want to try his luck with the new manager."

 

Twelve months ago O'Brien signed on for Glenn Roeder on a one-year deal, but saw his season hampered by injury after making his Ireland debut in Germany during a Euro 2008 qualifier.

 

At 22 the player is no longer regarded as a youngster, with time running out to show he can do it on the big stage at Gallowgate.

 

Last season Wolves were keen to take the winger on loan in the Championship and a move to a Football League club could be the next step.

 

However, Clark feels that perseverance could yet be the key to the Dubliner's future on Tyneside if he decides to sign on for another year.

 

He added: "To be fair to Alan he is the quickest player I have ever worked with. And in today's game that is a real asset.

 

"There are plenty of players that would love to have that kind of pace.

 

"If we can hone his game up and improve that football awareness it would be fantastic.

 

"It would be great to use his pace more effectively.

 

"He knows what it is expected and his willing to learn.

 

"And if he and the club can come to some kind of an agreement that can happen."

[Kid Dynamite 6068]

Hes a similar player to aaron lennon from what ive seen in the reserves. Worth a punt for a few games.

[ewerk 26757]

Lee Clark in talking competently shocker!

[khay 8]

Better him than pattison.

[2bias 3]

i think he better than pattison but he hasnt played enough

[sweetleftpeg 0]

He's better than Pattison but that's saying nowt really.