Like før overgangsvinduet stengte mandag, signerte spissen Aiden O’Brien gratis fra Sunderland.
NYHETER: Den 28 år gamle spissen hadde kontrakt med Sunderland ut sesongen og fikk langt mindre spilletid enn Sunderland enn han ønsket. Da Danny Cowley meldte sin interesse ble dermed alle parter enige om at O’Brien fikk gå gratis til Pompey. Han har skrevet på en korttidskontrakt som varer ut sesongen.
O’Brien kom til Sunderland i 2020 og scoret tolv mål på 66 kamper. Før Sunderland var Millwall hans klubb. Han gikk gradene her som unggutt og spilte over 200 kamper for London-klubben. Med Millwall opplevde han også opprykk fra League One til Championship.
O’Brien har 5 A-landskamper (1 mål) for Irland.
SE OGSÅ: Aiden O’Briens spillerprofil
Danny Cowley om overgangen
– We’re really pleased to sign Aiden and from the moment I spoke to him, there was an energy and enthusiasm to join us. We’re lucky to be at such a renowned football club because there are so many players who want to come here. Aiden brings us many different qualities and can play across the forward line, making penetrative runs.
– He looks after the ball well and links the play, while he can also drive forward and is always a goal threat. We’re really looking forward to him being part of this group and he knows quite a few of the lads already, which is important when you arrive on a short-term contract.
Aiden O’Brien om overgangen
– It was a mad 24 hours and the manager sold the club to me as soon as he got on the phone. He told me about how he saw me fitting into the team and what he thought I was good at – I couldn’t wait to get here. I was itching to sign after the situation at Sunderland and just wanted to get back playing football again.
– I want to get back to my best and scoring goals, providing assists – basically just causing mayhem for the opposition. I’m someone who likes to be on the ball and also get in behind. I want to sniff out chances and be like a fox in the box, but also try my luck from long-range. I like to think of myself as an all-round player and the main thing is working hard for the team because winning is all that matters.
– Hopefully I can hit the ground running because I feel fit and sharp. I’m ready to play as much as possible. There are a few of the lads I know from Ireland and Millwall, while I was at Sunderland with Denver Hume.
