O'Brien: It's Fab to be back

There has been a sense of optimism on Boyneside of late, and such feelings were somewhat vindicated last Friday night when Drogheda United staged a second half comeback of Lazarus proportions to come from 2-0 behind to win 3-2 against recently promoted Cork City in Turner’s Cross. Indeed confidence is high amongst Mick Cooke’s men ahead of this Friday night’s visit of Dundalk to Hunky Dory’s Park. Ahead of the 146^th Louth derby, Extratime.ie caught up with former Dundalk and current Drogheda United player Declan “Fabio” O’Brien.

Sprained shoulder ligaments in pre-season against Limerick meant Drogs’ all-time leading scorer has had to wait to make his second debut at Hunky Dory’s Park. “I did my shoulder ligaments but I’m back training fully now so I’m available for Friday - I’m back available for selection. It wasn’t too bad you know, it was two games I missed. Initially we thought I’d miss a few more so it’s not too bad.

 “I’ve been chomping at the bit the last couple of weeks. I was gutted I had to miss the opener against Rovers, and then obviously I had to miss Friday in Cork, so as I said, I can’t wait.”

Despite his return to fitness, O’Brien knows he cannot take a starting place for granted, especially seeing as a win in Turner’s Cross is usually very hard to come by. 

“You have to give credit to the lads. You don’t win that often [away to Cork City]. I only think I won once or twice in Turner’s Cross. You don’t get wins very often down there.” O’Brien said. “You have to take your hats off to the lads and say listen you deserve your place in the eleven the next week. I’m mature enough to know that, so I’ll just have to take my chance when it comes along.”

Speaking about this Friday’s derby, O’Brien was confident of his team’s chances and was keen to highlight the strength and depth in the squad. Mick Cooke added plenty of quality in the off season, including half a dozen from the manager’s former club Monaghan United, one of which was Fabio..

“The squad is very competitive. We have the likes of myself, Eric Foley and Seán Brennan possibly on the bench this week which says it all about the quality of the team. If you have a good bench obviously the eleven starting must be of good quality as well.”

Fabio is something of a prodigal son for Drogheda. In 2007 he captained the club to their only ever League of Ireland title. He also won a First Division title (2002), and FAI Cup (2005) and two Setanta Cups (2006 and 2007). When asked about his recent return to Drogheda, the striker was in no doubt that despite helping Monaghan to the Premier Division via the playoffs, he had made the right decision to return.

“I feel the move is right. I felt I wanted get back for a few years, finish off the last few years maybe where I started. It definitely feels like the right move for me. I have a lot of friends up that way. It just felt right and I’m delighted I can be back. So hopefully I can help Drogheda to have a bit of success this year, which I think we will. I think we’ll be good for the cups and I think we’ll turn a few decent teams over.”

Of course, O’Brien was greeted by plenty of familiar faces on his return to Drogheda, with no fewer than five players making the same journey from Monaghan to Drogheda. The prospect of teaming up with some of his former Monaghan colleagues was also a factor in his decision to make the switch.

“When I realised all the Brennans were going to be signing back and the likes of Sava and Grimes who are very close friends of mine as well as being teammates, that was a big factor as well. Simply because they are quality players I enjoy playing with them so that definitely helped.”

Finally, talking about his hopes for the season, the Boyneside favourite has a burning ambition to better Drogheda’s ninth place finish last season. “I think we’ll be looking for the top half of the table and obviously, to go as well as we can in any of the cup competitions. I think that’s the aim. Just aim as high as we can and see where it takes us.”