By Mark Heys
August 13 2007

Republic of Ireland international Andy O'Brien seems set to become Bolton Wanderers latest signing after the Trotters agreed a £1.2 million fee with Portsmouth to bring the centre half back to the North of England.

O'Brien has been forced out of first team contention at Fratton Park due to the continued excellent form of Sol Campbell and Linvoy Primus and the addition of Sylvain Distin from Manchester City.

The former Bradford City and Newcastle United defender could make his debut in the Wanderers midweek game away to Fulham provided there are no more hitches in the negotiations.

Capped by England at youth level, the Harrogate-born player broke onto the scene with Bradford in 1997 and helped them win promotion to the top flight two years later.

His performances as a rising star at Valley Parade earned him a £2 million move to Newcastle United in March 2001 and whilst in the North East he played in over 150 games for the Magpies and also served them in Europe.

Two summers ago he moved South to Portsmouth to link up with his former Newcastle team mates Laurent Robert and Lomano Lua Lua and within his first season he was a regular name on Harry Redknapp's teamsheet.

He can play as a full back or in midfield but his strongest position is as a centre half.