Former Crystal Palace defender – who made summer transfer move – handed first Lyon start

Jake O’Brien made his Lyon debut on Sunday as they fell to a 2-0 defeat away to Reims.

He played the full 90 minutes in his first appearance for Fabio Grosso’s side as he lined up in a back three alongside Sinaly Diomande and Clinton Mata.

O’Brien became the first Irishman to start in France’s top flight since Tony Cascarino in 2000.

The 22-year-old centre-back left Crystal Palace in the summer, joining the French side on a four-year deal.

O’Brien featured throughout pre-season under Roy Hodgson and scored in the 2-1 defeat to Columbian side Millonarios.

He spent last season on loan at R.W.D Molenbeek and excelled in Belgium, making 31 appearances in all competitions as they won promotion to the first division.

Lyon – owned by Crystal Palace’s largest shareholder John Textor – are 18th in the French first division and have already sacked Laurent Blanc at the start of the campaign.

O’Brien had a host of clubs across Europe and the Championship chasing his signature in the summer.

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD