EXCLUSIVE: Lions boosted day before start of campaign as Ireland international O’Brien signs new deal

By Richard Cawley

Aiden O’Brien signed a new long term deal at Millwall yesterday – with manager Neil Harris reckoning he has returned to pre-season sharper than ever.

The 24-year-old attracted an international call-up from the Republic of Ireland last season and was heading into the final 12 months of his contract, writes Richard Cawley.

“It is a huge boost for the club going into a new season,” said Harris. “Aiden is one of our players, he came through our academy, and proved himself to a certain extent at Championship level last year.

“He was on fire when he suffered a foot injury at Leeds and then couldn’t get back into the team until the last knockings against Aston Villa.

“Aiden is a player I like working with. His energy, drive and enthusiasm and quality – he drives every training session and is an important part of the dressing room and squad.

“Aiden gives us great balance and an attacking threat. He is a completely different wide player to Jiri [Skalak], Jed Wallace, Fred Onyedinma or Shane Ferguson.

“He has come back to pre-season looking like a new player. He’s lean, he’s hungry and quick. His performance got better and better against Bochum. His ball-carrying skills in the second half were there for all to see.

“I’m looking forward to working with him in the coming years.”