Dubliner O'Brien, 20 today, is one of six uncapped players in the first squad announced by Staunton.
He joins Wayne Henderson, Liam Lawrence, Stephen Kelly, Stephen Ireland and Kevin Doyle as potential debutants when Ireland play Sweden at Lansdowne Road on March 1.
Staunton checked out O'Brien with Bolton manager Sam Allardyce and the youngster's confidence will be boosted by the thumbs up he got from his boss.
"Since breaking into the team earlier on in the season, Joey has come on leaps and bounds and is now an integral part of the Bolton Wanderers first team set-up," said Allardyce.
"Joey's call-up is recognition for all the hard work that he has been putting in since joining the club and we all congratulate him."
O'Brien's inclusion in the Ireland squad is a measure of the Crumlin native's development this season, considering he had only 20 minutes first-team experience at the start of the campaign.
If and when he does pull on the green jersey at senior level for the first time, he will become the first graduate of the Bolton academy to win a full international cap - Gareth Farrelly cut his teeth elsewhere before adding to his collection of caps during his spell at the Reebok Stadium.
"I'm delighted," said O'Brien. "It's been great so far this season and this is another step. I was talking to Steve at one of the games a few weeks ago and he rang again yesterday (Tuesday) morning.
"I obviously had a feeling it was going to happen, but when you actually see your name down on paper it's great. Of course, it's like everything, when you encounter things for the first time you need to adjust," said O'Brien. "But I'm sure the lads are a top bunch and I'm looking forward to it. It's a great birthday present, probably the best.
"The young lads coming in is brilliant. I know Stephen Ireland from playing in the academy and reserve leagues.
"He's a good lad and a really good player and Kevin Doyle is banging in the goals for Reading in the championship. I'm looking forward to playing with them."
O'Brien's inclusion is fully justified as he has been in superb form for Bolton this season. He helped his team from the right-back berth to another clean-sheet against Marseille in the UEFA Cup on Wednesday and will try and do likewise against West Ham in the English FA Cup tomorrow.
While Staunton has given youth its fling, there is still lots of experience in the squad, with the likes of Shay Given, Kevin Kilbane, Robbie Keane and Damien Duff.
Players like Gary Breen, who may not be guaranteed a start, are still important members of the set-up in the eyes of the manager. With so many youngsters being introduced to international football they will need help in making the adjustment.
Staunton said at his unveiling as manager in the Mansion House last month that youth would be given its chance and he has not disappointed with this squad.