The 39-year-old, with 16 international caps to his name, began his playing career at Stella Maris, Bohemians and Cleveland Ohio in the North American League, before he claimed three League of Ireland medals with the famed 1980s Shamrock Rovers side. The midfielder won his first full cap against Uruguay in 1986, whilst as a Hoop.
An offer of £50,000 and two challenge matches by Manchester United six months later was accepted and O’Brien was off to Old Trafford, where he was to make 15 of his 31 League appearances as a substitute.
Spells at Newcastle United, Tranmere and Cork City followed, before a move to Dalymount Park in the summer of 2000 as player-coach. He admitted to being ‘shocked’ at Bohemians decision to not renew his contract shortly before Christmas.
O’Brien replaces Lar Maloney at Rovers, whose own contract ran out last week. Rovers have added three further friendlies to their pre-season line-up with away games against First Division sides Monaghan United (February 15, 3pm), Athlone Town (February 22, 2pm) and Finn Harps (March 6, 7.45pm). The Dubliners are already scheduled to face Bray Wanderers on March 1st and Dundalk in Oriel Park ten days later.