And now could be forced to make a decision over his future before midnight because Portsmouth (who signed him from Newcastle) want him off the books.
O’Brien has found himself frozen out of the first-team picture at Portsmouth and boss Harry Redknapp says he wants to clear the decks to bring in new staff.
However, it is understood the only interest so far has come from a Coca-Cola Championship club willing to take the the 27-year-old on loan.
O’Brien: ‘It’s not been the ideal start for me this season. I’m disappointed I’ve not been involved more. That needs to improve because the longer it goes on then the less it will benefit me, certainly at international level.
‘I don’t want to leave Portsmouth, but I need to play. That’s all I want to do, yet the long-term picture is not good if I’m in the reserves.’
He signed for Newcastle from Bradford City in 2002.
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