The Republic of Ireland international will joinHibs on July 1, after his United contract expires, with the Magpies picking up a compensation fee for the 22-year-old player.Is Allardyce Wise To Let O'Brien Fly The Roost?
The Republic of Ireland international will joinHibs on July 1, after his United contract expires, with the Magpies picking up a compensation fee for the 22-year-old player.O'Brien made nine first-team appearances for Newcastle and made his international debut against Holland in in August 2006 and has won a total of five caps.
Hibernian manager John Collins: "We are delighted to have signed Alan on a three-year contract at Hibernian.
"He is a young player who has had the best possible grounding at Newcastle United and while his first-team experience has so far been limited, his quality is without question, and that I think is underlined by his appearances for the Republic of Ireland.
"A few other clubs were naturally drawn to him as his current contract at Newcastle was coming to an end, but Alan has chosen Hibernian to progress his career knowing that this club continues to provide the best possible platform for a young player to learn and enjoy the game.
"Alan is a wide player and very, very quick. He knows already the way we like to play the game and we expect that he will see a great deal of the ball.
"He is an exciting young player and one that I am sure our supporters will appreciate."
The newspapers in Edinburgh are already getting a bit carried away, saying the Hibees are about to sign the "new George Best".