Andy O’Brien has spent 10 years forging a fine career on the pitch and readers of the Bolton News gave his influential and consistent performances the ultimate thumbs-up by voting him their Player of the Year.

The 28-year-old centre back made a £1.5m switch from Portsmouth to the Reebok last August, and played a crucial role in Wanderers’ successful battle against relegation.

Bolton went unbeaten in five games and conceded just two goals in that time, also playing a role in the last day of the season after their 1-1 draw at Chelsea confirmed the title would not be heading back to Stamford Bridge.

And his impressive CV, the highlights of which include playing in Mick McCarthy’s Ireland at the 2002 World Cup and Champions League football with Newcastle United, all began back at Pannal Ash JFC.

O’Brien was part of a successful U-9s side - which once beat Killinghall Nomads 22-nil - and from there the St John Fisher student went on to catch the eye of Bradford City who handed him a YTS contract at 16.

A move to Newcastle in 2001 was followed by a switch to Portsmouth in 2005, before O’Brien was brought to Bolton by Sammy Lee.

Quite some distance from a grass-roots start at Pannal Ash, but dad Terry believed his son’s hard-working character, as well as his ability, marked him out for success at an early stage

”It’s amazing to think that was all 20 years ago,” he said.

“When he was a lad he showed certain characteristics and attributes that made us think he could make it.

“He has a certain mental toughness that not every young kid playing football has.

“He’s an extremely modest person that works extremely hard to get where he has.

“He likes it at Bolton, the rewards of his job are fantastic but he doesn’t take anything for granted.”

amy.craven@ypn.co.uk