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. 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.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.But the former Republic of Ireland international says he has not given up hope of earning a new contract, despite his current situation."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."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. "You have to consider all your options. Gary Cahill would do if (Manchester) United or Liverpool came in for him. "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. "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."O'Brien has been impressed with the arrivals at the Reebok so far this summer, which include Marcos Alonso, Martin Petrov and Robbie Blake.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. "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. "In pre-season it's been fantastic to see the quality he brings. "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."

Source: Team_Talk