Aiden O'Brien discusses his Sunderland move and what supporters can expect from him this season

Aiden O’Brien says a visit to the Academy of Light left him in no doubt that a move to Sunderland was the right one.
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The former Millwall forward became Phil Parkinson’s first summer signing after putting pen to paper on a two-year deal on Thursday.

The 26-year-old has told fans he ‘lives for’ scoring goals and hopes that a successful campaign can lead to promotion back to the Championship and more caps for the Republic of Ireland.

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“I was at home when my agent said that Phil Parkinson was interested and wanted to give me a call,” O’Brien told safc.com.

“I went to the training ground and met him, and to see the place.

“As soon as I got there, I just knew it was the place for me.

“I'm so happy to be here.”

O’Brien also spoke to former team-mate Conor McLaughlin ahead of the move.

Aiden O'Brien said it was a 'no-brainer' to join SunderlandAiden O'Brien said it was a 'no-brainer' to join Sunderland
Aiden O'Brien said it was a 'no-brainer' to join Sunderland
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“The decision was already made for me but I was obviously at Millwall with Conor McLaughlin,” he said.

“He's a good friend of mine and he was telling me the ins and outs, what a great bunch of lads it is here.

“It was a no-brainer, really.

“I love scoring goals, that's what I live for,” O’Brien added.

“Hopefully I can bring that to the team.

“I know getting out of this division is not just about talent, it's about having a good bunch, a good camaraderie, a good dressing room.

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“It looks like we've got that here, and if you have that then the talent takes care of itself.”

O’Brien currently has four full international caps, with one goal.

It’s a tally he hopes to add to as he pushes for a regular slot in Parkinson’s XI.

“That's what I'm aiming to do,” he said.

“Score goals, hopefully get promoted and hopefully get back to the Ireland set-up.

“That's my dream.”

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Speaking on Thursday, Parkinson said O’Brien’s versatility would be key in the upcoming campaign.

"He’s at a good age, he has experience of winning this division and he has played plenty of Championship football,” he said.

"Aiden can also play in a variety of attacking roles, which I feel is important for us.”