Swindon Town FC have this afternoon secured the signing of Irish midfielder Alan O'Brien on a two-year deal. 

The 24-year old winger joins The Robins from Scottish Premier League side Hibernian and also has five caps for the Republic of Ireland to his name.

He joined Newcastle United from St Joseph's Boys club in Ireland and progressed through the youth ranks at St. James' Park. He won the Under 17's title with The Magpies, defeating Manchester United 5-2 in the final over two legs.

Impressive performances were enough to secure a regular run in the Newcastle reserve team during the 2003/04 season, before a broken leg in July 2004 stalled his progress. A determined attitude during his recovery saw O'Brien return to action the following season where he earned a place in the first team squad before being loaned out to Carlisle United in October 2005. He scored within ten minutes of his debut for The Cumbrians and featured in five games at Brunton Park.

O'Brien was handed his debut for Newcastle United in an FA Cup tie against Peter Shirtliff's Mansfield Town in January 2006. A full Premier League appearance soon followed, two weeks later when he played ninety minutes against West Ham United.

A move to Hibernian followed in the summer of 2007, signing a three-year contract with the Scottish Premier League side. He made a total of 47 league appearances for Hibs.

Alan O'Brien Factfile
Nationality: Irish
Date of Birth: February 20, 1985
Place of Birth: Dublin, Ireland
Height: 1.78m
Previous Clubs: Newcastle United, Carlisle United (loan), Hibernian
Position: Midfielder