O'Brien eager to fire the Black Cats up the League One table
Aiden O’Brien believes he can be the man to fire Sunderland up the League One table – as he aims for a start at AFC Wimbledon.
The Black Cats travel to Plough Lane this afternoon (1pm kick-off ) looking for a first league triumph since the win at Lincoln City in December.
And O’Brien is in contention for a start after shining in the midweek victory over Port Vale, scoring Sunderland’s first goal with a composed finish.
Apart from the win at Lincoln, the Wearsiders have largely struggled for goals this term with Lee Johnson still seeking his best attacking formula – having switched both the shape and personnel in the midweek fixture.
And having caught the eye in that game, O’Brien is hopeful that his run in the side will continue and believes the goals will come flooding if he’s handed a consistent run of games.
"Obviously, I want to play more games and the manager and staff know that,” said the forward.
"I'm working hard on the training field to try and show that kind of hunger and desire that I want to be out there, playing and helping the team.
"So, Port Vale was brilliant for me to just get that momentum, score a goal and get that belief back in myself.
"At Millwall, that's all I
did do - score goals. I knew where the back of the net was so it's nothing new to me really.
"I just need to get the game time and I believe in myself it will come flooding.”
O’Brien is yet to score in the league since his summer arrival from Millwall, but has not been handed a run in the side.
And the 27-year-old still
believes he can become the goalscorer that Sunderland are craving despite his indifferent start – and has pointed to the form of fellow forward Charlie Wyke as an indicator of what a strong run of games can do.
"I can't stress it enough that I believe in myself in front of goal,” added O’Brien.
"It hasn't really clicked here yet at the moment, but that doesn't mean it won't click. I've only been here four months or so, so it's a very short time.
"I've been in and out and I've had no run of games.
"For me to actually build that momentum, I need a run of games - that's what anyone needs.
"Look at big Chaz, he's played a lot of games and he's reaped the rewards by scoring a lot of goals.
"That's what strikers and attacking players want, so hopefully I can try and get a few games under my belt and get a few more goals.”
Johnson could make a number of changes to his side today as he seeks to get his squad playing on the front foot.
It’s a style of play O’Brien appreciates – and one he feels he can really contribute toward.
“I love getting on the ball, making things happen and trying to enjoy myself.
"I don't try and stress too much, I just try and enjoy it and let it happen.
"The way he sets up and plays, he wants you to express yourself so I think that's going to be brilliant for me personally.”