Jake O'Brien's brilliant form for Lyon is set to be rewarded with a senior Ireland debut in the coming days.
The Cork-born central defender was called up by interim Ireland boss John O'Shea for the friendly double-header against Belgium and Switzerland, and an international bow will have been well-earned based on the ease with which he has adapted to playing in Ligue 1.
O'Brien has been a regular at the heart of the Lyon defence, as their form has improved following a disastrous start to the season, while also contributing four goals to date at the other end of the pitch.
In recent weeks, he has been partnered with Duje Caleta-Car, leaving another Croat in Dejan Lovren mostly consigned to the bench.
Lovren, who was part of the Liverpool squad that won the 2019 Champions League, has been on hand to offer advice to his younger colleague though, as O'Brien explained when speaking to the media ahead of the visit of Belgium to the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
5 August 2017; Dejan Lovren of Liverpool during the International Club soccer match between Liverpool and Athletic Bilbao at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile
Jake O'Brien on Dejan Lovren
"First and foremost, he’s a good person to talk to," O'Brien said of Lovren. "On the pitch he’s done it all, he’s a Champion League winner.
"I take bits away from his game, and in training. Not just him but there are others as well that have won big trophies. I learn off them on and off the pitch. It’s good to play with these players."
19 March 2024; Jake O'Brien and Matt Doherty, right, during a Republic of Ireland training session at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown, Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Jake O'Brien faces competition for Ireland place
After establishing himself in the Lyon starting XI, O'Brien's next task is to do the same with Ireland, where the likes of Nathan Collins, Dara O'Shea and Liam Scales stand in his way.
The ex-Cork City man is up for the challenge though, as he prepares to show the nation what he can do over the next week or so.
"We have good players in my position and throughout the squad, but especially my position," he said.
"I think for me, I'm coming here to train hard and prove what I'm like. For me it's to up the levels and train with these players, to enjoy it really and see."
Playing in Ligue 1 alongside established stars such as Lovren and ex-Manchester United man Nemanja Matic can only benefit O'Brien going forward as he looks to break into the Ireland team.
His first opportunity to do so comes on Saturday against Belgium, before Switzerland visit the Aviva Stadium next Tuesday.
See Also: The Exciting Ireland Team John O'Shea Should Select Against Belgium
