Aiden O'Brien


Aiden Antony O'Brien is a professional footballer who plays as a striker for Sunderland. Born in England, he represents the Republic of Ireland internationally.

Career

Born in Islington, London, O'Brien started his career in the youth system at Millwall and signed his first professional contract in 2010 on his 17th birthday. He made his debut for the club in the League Cup third round 5–0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers, coming on as a substitute for Dany N'Guessan. On 1 January 2012, O'Brien signed for Conference South side Staines Town on a one-month loan.
A month later, Aiden signed for Conference Premier side Hayes and Yeading on a one-month loan and immediately found himself playing games.
In May 2014 O'Brien agreed a new two-year deal with Millwall with the 20-year-old being highly regarded by Millwall boss Ian Holloway and is expected to feature more prominently in his first-team plans next season.
O'Brien made his first appearance of the season coming on as a substitute for Richard Chaplow against Southampton in the League Cup. The game finished 2–0 to the saints. A month later he then made his first league appearance for Millwall in the 3–1 defeat to Birmingham City. O'Brien spoke of his delight of fulfilling a lifelong ambition when he made his league debut for Millwall and has dedicated the achievement to his father.
At the end of the 2017–18 season, his contract was extended by Millwall after the club exercised an option. He left Millwall at the end of 2019-2020 season, after his contract expired.
On 30 July 2020, O’Brien signed for Sunderland, on a two-year deal.

International career

On 6 February 2013 O'Brien scored on his debut for the Republic of Ireland U21s against Netherlands in a 3–0 win at Tallaght Stadium.
O'Brien then scored his first competitive goal and his third goal for Ireland in 4–1 away win against the Faroe Islands.
On 15 November 2013, O'Brien bagged another international brace against Faroe Islands in a high scoring 5–2 win at The Showgrounds.
O'Brien has scored five times for the 21s and is two off Robbie Brady's all time goal scoring record with seven.
In September 2017 he was called up to the senior Republic of Ireland squad for 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Wales.
On 11 September 2018, O'Brien scored his first senior international goal for Ireland on his debut in a friendly against Poland in Wrocław which finished 1-1.

Career statistics

Club

International goals

No.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
1.11 September 2018Stadion Miejski, Wrocław, Poland1–01–1Friendly

Honours

Millwall