Jim O'Brien

Celtic and loans

Raised in Dumbarton, O'Brien began his career in the youth system at Celtic. He was loaned out to Dunfermline Athletic during the 2006–07 season. He made his debut in their 3–2 Scottish Cup victory over Rangers on 7 January 2007. He scored his first goal in Dunfermline's 4–1 victory over Motherwell on 7 May 2007. He made his debut Celtic in a 2–1 victory over Gretna on 7 October 2007; he filled in as a right-back due to all of Celtic's recognised players in that position being injured. O'Brien joined Dundee United on loan on 31 January until May 2008.

Motherwell

On 8 August 2008, O'Brien signed for Motherwell. He scored four goals in 64 league appearances for Motherwell, earning selection for the PFA Scotland team of the year in 2009–10.

Barnsley

On 7 May 2010, O'Brien signed a pre-contract agreement with English Championship side Barnsley, then under the stewardship of Mark Robins. He scored his first goal for the club during a 5–2 win againstLeeds United at Oakwell in September 2010. As of 5 April 2013, O'Brien had scored five and assisted eight goals for Barnsley. In May 2014, O'Brien rejected a new contract offer from Barnsley.

Coventry City

O'Brien completed a move to Coventry City on a two-year contract on 4 July 2014. He made his league debut on the opening day of the 2014–15 season in a 3–2 defeat to Bradford City. He scored a disputed first goal for the club against Sheffield United at Sixfields Stadium (later…

On 9 August 2024 O'Brien was appointed Head Coach of Sheffield United's under-18 side after Matt Thorpe departed the role.

Although O'Brien represented the Republic of Ireland at under-19 and under-21 levels, he opted to switch allegiances and represent the nation of his birth, citing a chance to work with Craig Levein, who he also worked with while at Dundee United.

As of match played 12 May 2018