Colin O'Brien (footballer born 1990)
Colin O'Brien (born 22 January 1990 in Dublin, Republic of Ireland) is an Irish footballer currently playing for League of Ireland First Division side Shelbourne. O'Brien is as a midfielder. He is from a steeped footballing background as he is the son of former League of Ireland player Derek O'Brien, younger brother of former Shelbourne player Mark O'Brien and nephew of former Republic of Ireland internationals Ray and Fran.
Career
Colin O'Brien began his League of Ireland career with Dundalk after joining from schoolboy club River Valley Rangers. O'Brien was appointed Dundalk's under 20 captain and he led the Lilywhites in their 2008-09 under 20 campaign. During the summer of 2009, O'Brien received a try out at older brother Mark's then club Shelbourne in a friendly against Leeds United. O'Brien impressed in this match and was immediately signed by Shelbourne. He made his Shelbourne competitive debut days later on 17 July 2009 in a First Division fixture against Sporting Fingal at Tolka Park. He scored his first Shelbourne goal in just his second apperance a week later on 25 July 2009 against Athlone Town at the Athlone Town Stadium. The young midfielder made 13 competitive appearances for Shelbourne in 2009 and he was rewarded for his performances by re-signing for Shelbourne for their 2010 First Division campaign.