http://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/Article.aspx/684900?UserKey=0

 

Burton is keen on move to Aberdeen

Former Owl keen on move

 

By Andrew Moir

 

Published: 12/06/2008

 

BURTON O'Brien today refused to rule out a move to Aberdeen if Jimmy Calderwood comes calling again this summer.

 

The 27-year-old midfielder has now parted company with Sheffield Wednesday and is looking to return north now he’s a free agent.

 

Dons boss Calderwood has been a long time admirer of the former Livingston man who has also served St Mirren and Blackburn Rovers.

 

“I know there was a bit of interest from Jimmy Calderwood before I moved to Sheffield Wednesday a few years ago,†said O’Brien, who is also interesting Falkirk.

 

“If he was to show an interest in me again, then I wouldn’t rule out a move there, but I have left my agent to deal with things while I enjoy a summer break.

 

“When I come back I’ll assess all the options on the table and make a decision from there.

 

“My agent has been speaking to clubs both in England and Scotland.

 

“But at this stage I’m not aware of anything other than that, and I’ll wait until I return before deciding what to do.â€

 

O’Brien kicked off his career with St Mirren and made just 26 appearances before signing for Blackburn in 1999 in a surprise switch.

 

He moved south to Ewood Park when Brian Kidd was the Rovers boss in a double deal worth £700,000 along with Buddies colleague David McNamee.

 

But the shock move failed to work out and Graeme Souness eventually let the duo leave Blackburn.

 

The pair then signed for Livingston in 2002.

 

O’Brien impressed on his return to Scotland and played 99 times for Livi, scoring 15 times.

 

He then joined the Owls in 2005 as he rejected overtures from Calderwood to move to Pittodrie.

 

O’Brien has been capped by Scotland at U21 level.

 

His application to switch nationalities in order to represent South Africa was rejected by FIFA in 2005 as he was too old to apply.

 

McNamee, another former Calderwood target, signed for Coventry City three years ago and remains on the fringes at the Sky Blues.

 

If Alan Maybury was to turn down Aberdeen’s contract offer McNamee could come into the frame as a potential replacement.

Being upset would imply that I'm remotely surprised that we're turning down the chance of acquiring a decent player.

 

If we were to sign him, and we had a fully fit squad, where would you play him?

Midfield.

 

That was a tough one.

 

Althought being a left footed player he can also be used on the left.

What does "proven SPL player" actually mean though?

 

A club could go out and sign a magnificent player. But if the style of football in the SPL just doesn't suit their style, they're nae exactly going to be at their best. For example, a player who prefers a bit of time on the ball to work some trickery and nice wee flicks and touches ain't gonna like the traditionally lightning-fast pace of the SPL. Let's face it, the SPL has never really been the best breeding ground for skill.

 

If a player has already played, and played to a reasonably successful level, in the SPL, it's gonna be less of a gamble for the club to sign him cos they already know he can cope with the physical demands of the league

Just what did O'Brien prove in the SPL though?

 

He was a "better then his colleagues" player at Livi when they were imploding.

He played for Livi when they beat us to 3rd place ... in their first season in the SPL! Not to mention the side that thrashed us 6-1

He played for Livi when they beat us to 3rd place ... in their first season in the SPL! Not to mention the side that thrashed us 6-1

 

Yeah, back in the good old days. 

 

You are beginning to sound like the stone one.