LONDON-BORN footballer Aiden O’Brien has told of his delight at being called up to the Republic of Ireland set-up for the first time – and no one is more pleased than his mammy.
O’Brien, 23, grew up in England but has lined up for Ireland U17s, U19s and U19s since making his debut in green back in 2009.
The Millwall footballer was called up to the Republic of Ireland squad this week for their crunch 2018 World Cup qualifiers with Moldova and Wales – and he couldn’t be more delighted.
“I’ve always been waiting for the call to get an international first cap for the senior squad. I’ve never actually thought, when I was a youngster, that it was going to happen,” he told a press conference in Dublin.
“I was just always like: ‘Ah it might happen. I don’t know. It might happen.’
“But as I’ve gone through the career, I’ve had a sniff and a bit more and more and obviously I’m here now.”
Islington native O’Brien – who started out as a striker – has won plaudits in recent seasons for his ability to play out wide on the left wing.
He broke into the first team at Millwall in 2014 after plying his trade on loan at non-league clubs such as Staines Town, Hayes & Yeading United and Aldershot Town.
“That was me learning my trade and getting out, getting some minutes in men’s football,” O’Brien explained.
“It was vital for me. It’s done me the world of good now playing week in, week out for Millwall.
“I can’t ask for much more at the moment. I’m away with my national team and I just want to show everyone what I can do.”
The young winger insisted that he never had any doubts about his allegiance to Ireland, having grown up supporting the Boys in Green.
It was always Ireland for me,” he said. “There were no two ways about it.
“I was 16, 17. I had the option of going for Ireland and my dad got the call. There was no decision to be made. I’ve come through the ranks — now I’m here, I want to stay here.
“My whole family for a tournament would always support the Irish rather than the English.
My family from my mum’s side is born and bred Irish.”
O’Brien has turned out 10 times in the Championship for Millwall so far this season, scoring two goals.
“I can’t complain,” O’Brien said. “I’ve played on the left for two and a half years now, but I’ve scored goals and I’ve got my international call-up, so I’d be silly to say I’m not enjoying it and it’s not giving me success.
“I’m able to play most places in attack, so there’s no specific position."
He added: “I’m proud to be here.”
