'He's a very exciting player': The Aiden O'Brien insight that will excite Sunderland fans - from a club hero

O’Brien became Phil Parkinson’s first addition of what looks set to be a busy transfer window when he put pen to paper on a two-year deal at the Stadium of Light last week.

And Edwards – who played with the versatile forward during an 18-month spell at Millwall – believes that the 26-year-old will prove a fine recruit.

“He’s a very exciting player,” he said, speaking to The Echo.

“He’s a young guy who has a lot of ambition. When I first saw the news I was like ‘wow’ – because he’s moved from one great club to another.

“There’s going to be high expectations on him but I think he will relish that opportunity, to be fair.

“I think he can bring something new. He’s a very skilful guy, he’s good in the air and I think he can bring a different dimension in terms of creativity and going forward.

“He’s got two brilliant feet and I’m sure he’ll take the opportunity with both hands and do his best to get the club promoted again.”

While some supporters have pointed to O’Brien’s goal record, Edwards has explained how circumstance led to O’Brien’s opportunities to find the net becoming limited.

But he knows that there is a prolific striker within the player, and has backed the Republic of Ireland international to hit the goal trail at the Stadium of Light.

"He had a few injuries and when managers come and go, you may not be their cup of tea,” explained Edwards.

“Aiden got the wrong end of that straw when Neil Harris left – and unfortunately it was his time to go. He’s been at the club a long time and he deserves a new challenge.

"What better place to go than Sunderland?

"You look at his goal record, but he has goals in him and I think once he gets the service that is required he can get into double figures this coming season.”

The Trinidad and Tobago international was quickly embraced during his spell on Wearside – and understands better than most what it takes to be a Sunderland player.

So is O’Brien of a similar mould?

"I think he is.

"He will get that energy from the fans. The fans are passionate and they want to see players working hard – and Aiden has that in him already.

"I only played with him for a year and a half, but the guy has something about him. He wouldn’t have played for Millwall for ten years if he didn’t have that ability and the managers didn’t see what he’s capable.

"For Sunderland to get him on a free is a good deal and he’ll be chomping at the bit to get going.”

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