Ireland's call a welcome distraction for O'Brien
The upcoming World Cup qualifiers were meant to cement O'Brien as a fine foil to the unflappable Kenny Cunningham.
On Monday afternoon, as O'Brien passed time before flying to Dublin, his world suddenly veered off-kilter. Bobby Robson, the man who brought him to St James' Park and showed tremendous faith in his defensive potential, despite some shaky early displays, was told his services were no longer required by the club.
O'Brien was shocked. Without Robson, he might never have established himself in the Irish squad.
At Bradford, although people were aware of his promise, he was only a fixture with the U21s. It was the move to a big club that sent him into the senior ranks.
"It was a real shock when it flashed up on Sky Sports," O'Brien said.
"Okay, we hadn't made a good start to the season but I have been at the club for the past three-and-a-half years and we have never made a good start to the season and we still finished in a healthy position.
"He has supported Newcastle since he was a boy and it really was sad the other day, watching the interview, you could see how emotional he was leaving the club and how much it meant to him." Thus, international week is a welcome distraction for O'Brien, a chance to forget what is happening on Tyneside and concentrate on helping Ireland to reach the World Cup. Still, it will be a different Newcastle he will be returning to, one without Robson, whom the defender spoke about in glowing terms.
"I am disappointed. He brought me to the club and elevated my status as a player. It was when I went to Newcastle that I was brought into the senior squad, and under Bobby, I have become a far better player.
"Because of him, I got to play in the Champions League and the UEFA Cup. He did a lot for my career and I am really disappointed that his time in charge of the club has ended in this manner."
It certainly won't help the unsettled start O'Brien and his side have had.
As well as having to deal with Robson's departure, the defender will also have to establish a new partnership when things get a little more settled at St James' Park.
Was he surprised by Jonathan Woodgate's transfer?
"Well, Jon is a good player and was a good player for Newcastle. He will be missed. But it was a good opportunity and he couldn't really pass it up.
"I have established myself at Newcastle, but you never know what the situation will be with a new manager. He might have different ideas, but my principles will be the same. I'll work hard at my game and try to improve."
Of course, that new manager might be a current team-mate. Alan Shearer's name has been bandied about, his case made stronger by the public falling out between skipper and manager that precipitated Robson leaving the club.
"He has a coaching badge and is retiring at the end of the season, so people have just put two and two together. Alan doesn't need me to say he has the knowledge and experience, he has a tremendous amount of respect around the world.
"And he has been captain of his country. I would be pleased to see him stepping into a coaching role, but the decision is Alan's, I don't think anyone else should be speculating about it."
And so, as O'Brien looks ahead to the first qualifying campaign as a permanent fixture in the squad, he spends his time dissecting club turmoil rather than his hopes with Ireland.
"I hope to establish myself in the team if I am given the chance, but there are only 11 places up for grabs and only two of those are centre- halves. So it might take a little patience. But I would like to think I have been patient in waiting for my chance."
In the past year, O'Brien has looked Ireland's most comfortable defender and he feels the non-competitive programme has helped him.
"International football is the highest grade of football and I am delighted to be involved with Ireland. I have had a good run of games recently, which will stand me in good stead."
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