Former Bolton Wanderers midfielder Joey O'Brien joins Shamrock Rovers

Shamrock Rovers have added to their growing cache of international experience with the signing of former Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United defender Joey O'Brien.

O'Brien, who featured under former Limerick manager Sam Allardyce at both Bolton and the Hammers, arrives at his hometown club following a difficult two years on the injured list.

31-year-old O'Brien, who grew up a Rovers fan, will see familiar faces in the backroom team at Tallaght Stadium having played alongside Stephen McPhail and Damien Duff at international level.

The Dubliner – who made his breakthrough as a midfielder for Bolton while still a teenager – gained five senior caps for Ireland during an injury-ravaged career in England.

Having spent some time back at Bolton after leaving West Ham 18 months ago, O'Brien made contact with the Rovers hierarchy after deciding to move back to Dublin with his family.

“I’m buzzing to be here and get going,” O'Brien told the club's official website.

“It happened over a short period of time, I made contact with the club and luckily it got over the line. I was moving back home with my family so it was a logical thing.

“I’m a Rovers fan and I wanted to get playing and come back here. This is the place to be. Last season I was at Rovers games and I’ve watched them a few times.

“Coming back to play in Ireland was always on the radar, even going back five or six years, if I could have played for Rovers that was always the thing. It’s worked out that way now.

“The coaching side of things appeals to me but not yet, in a few years maybe. Initially it’s about playing.

“When I spoke to Stephen that’s what I wanted to put across. I’ve been to Rovers-Bohs games over the years as a supporter in the Rovers end so it’ll be nice to be out there playing.”

O'Brien could make his competitive debut for the Hoops in Wednesday's Leinster Senior Cup game at home to St Mochta's.