Source: Team_Talk
O'Brien considering Trotters future
olton defender Andy O'Brien is weighing up his options this summer after slipping down the pecking order at the Reebok Stadium.[LNB] The 31-year-old centre-half is no longer first choice with the Trotters as Zat Knight and Gary Cahill have former a solid partnership at the back.[LNB]O'Brien only made six appearances in the Premier League last season, and after mooted interest from Newcastle and Leeds, his future may lie elsewhere.[LNB]But the former Republic of Ireland international says he has not given up hope of earning a new contract, despite his current situation.[LNB]"I've got a year left on my contract and I'd like to say I'm working hard to earn another one," he told the Bolton News.[LNB]"Whether I'll get one, I don't know. Whatever people's circumstances are, there is no excuse not to be give 100 per cent. [LNB]"You have to consider all your options. Gary Cahill would do if (Manchester) United or Liverpool came in for him. [LNB]"They say it is a short career and mine is even shorter now because I'm 31. But from being a little boy I wanted to play football and my attitude hasn't changed. [LNB]"My circumstances are a little bit different now, I'm hoping to have a family, so I have to look after myself. Ultimately, I want to be playing football because there is no substitute."[LNB]O'Brien has been impressed with the arrivals at the Reebok so far this summer, which include Marcos Alonso, Martin Petrov and Robbie Blake.[LNB]On Alonso, he added: "He looks a tall lad, got on the bench at Real Madrid and played in one of their games. If you have them on your CV, you're no mug. [LNB]"Petrov knows the Premier League and has a very good pedigree. Some may feel he's good enough to be in the Manchester City team. [LNB]"In pre-season it's been fantastic to see the quality he brings. [LNB]"I suppose if you sign a player it's always a gamble, what with form and injuries, you just have to hope you get it right more times than not."
