The Irishman, who signed an 18-month contract in October after initially convincing former manager Stuart McCall he was worth a short-term deal in August, has been sidelined since January after undergoing surgery on his nose.

O'Brien, now ready to impress new manager Peter Taylor, told the club's official website: "There are a lot of new players coming in, but I'll get the chance every day in training and it's up to me to show that I'm better than everyone else.

"It's the same as in the summer when I first came here. The new gaffer doesn't know me so I'll just have to prove what I can do.

"The more I do in training, the more he'll get to know me. I don't mind that.

"Competition is always healthier for the club and it brings out the best in people. I think that's the case with me."

Source: Team Talk