18 Facts About Joey O'Brien

Joseph Martin O'Brien was born on 17 February 1986 and is an Irish retired professional footballer who played as a full-back and defensive midfielder for Bolton Wanderers, Sheffield Wednesday, West Ham United and Shamrock Rovers.

Joey O'Brien was capped five times by the Republic of Ireland at senior level between 2006 and 2012.

Joey O'Brien started his career with Bolton Wanderers in 2004 after starting out his first year scholarships in 2002.

Joey O'Brien was given his first start in Bolton's colours in their away UEFA Cup 1st Round tie with PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv in September 2005.

Joey O'Brien finished the season, making eight appearances in all competitions.

In July 2011, Joey O'Brien was handed a trial by West Ham United.

Joey O'Brien was sent off for the first time in his career in the away match against Reading on 10 December 2011.

Joey O'Brien returned to the squad for a match against Wigan Athletic three weeks later.

Joey O'Brien then scored the winning goal in the New Year's Day fixture against Norwich City.

Joey O'Brien was released by West Ham at the end of his contract in June 2016.

On 27 January 2018, Joey O'Brien signed for League of Ireland team and boyhood club Shamrock Rovers after spending 18 months without a club.

In 2003, Joey O'Brien was called by Republic of Ireland U17 and was involved in the tournament, resulting being awarded Player of the Tournament, due to his performance.

Two years later, Joey O'Brien was called up by Republic of Ireland U21 and appeared in the squad six times.

In February 2006, Joey O'Brien was called up to the Republic of Ireland squad for the first time and made his debut for his country on 1 March 2006, against Sweden during Steve Staunton's first game in charge.

On 3 August 2012, Joey O'Brien was called up to the Republic of Ireland squad for 15 August friendly against Serbia, as a replacement for the injured Sean St Ledger.

In November 2021, it was announced that Joey O'Brien had joined Shelbourne as assistant manager under newly appointed manager Damien Duff, a former Republic of Ireland teammate of Joey O'Brien's.

In May 2014, Joey O'Brien married Joanne Martin, an Irish model, at St Augustine's Church on Thomas Street, Dublin.

In February 2016, Joey O'Brien was among thirteen people to be named as a victim of fraud, committed by Stephen Ackerman.