O'Brien living the dream

Andy O’Brien may not get to kick a ball in the World Cup finals, but nothing will wipe away the constant grin he has on his face.

The Newcastle United defender is thrilled to be part of the Republic of Ireland’s squad, and he hopes just by being here he has proved a few people wrong.

It has been a remarkable 12 months for O’Brien by anybody’s standards.

He has gone from a relegation dogfight with Bradford to looking ahead to a Champions League campaign with Newcastle next season and inclusion in Mick McCarthy’s 23-man Republic squad.

‘‘I look at my progression over the last 12 months and it has been a dream come true,’’ said O’Brien.

‘‘To top it off by making it into the Republic of Ireland World Cup squad is beyond my dreams.

‘‘Having gone from Bradford, I don’t think I was the most exciting signing Newcastle have made, but I’d like to think I have proved a few people wrong.

‘‘Bradford were in a relegation dogfight and fortunately Bobby Robson took me out of that and I’ll be forever grateful to him.

‘‘A couple of days before I joined, Alain Goma went to Fulham for £4million and then I was brought in for £1m and some people say that the transfer fee has some bearing on your ability.

‘‘I’d like to think there are players outside of the Premier League who are good enough for that level. I believe that if you are good enough you will get your chance.

‘‘I am 22 years of age and hopefully I can get better, especially with the guidance of Bobby Robson and my fellow pros at Newcastle and the Republic.

‘‘I take each step at a time and if I can’t walk around with a smile on my face after what has happened to me in the last 12 months, then there is something wrong because it doesn’t get much better than this. It is just great to be here.

‘‘Regardless of what role I have, whether I am playing, sitting on the bench, or carrying the bags, I am determined to enjoy it.’’

O’Brien was eligible for both England and Ireland, but he opted for the green shirt and has not looked back.

He has won five caps, but is destined to earn many more - even if none of them come at this summer’s tournament in South Korea and Japan.

‘‘When I got selected for this World Cup people said it looked like I had made the right decision,’’ added O’Brien.

‘‘But irrespective of whether I went to the World Cup, the decision I made was 100% and I’m glad I stuck with Ireland.

‘‘I was fortunate to experience both camps and enjoyed the Irish one more and am glad to be in the position I am in now, obviously.

‘‘The team spirit is fantastic and I was made to feel at home the first time I was called into the senior squad.

‘‘My aim first and foremost was to get into the squad.

‘‘The players ahead of me have done a fantastic job and I have played only a small role, but if called upon I’ll do my best.’’