O'Brien ready to step in for Strachan

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Strachan is facing a selection crisis ahead of the first Old Firm derby of the season at Ibrox on Saturday, with recognised right backs Mark Wilson, Jean-Joel Perrier-Doumbe and Paul Caddis all out of action.

O'Brien, 20, is usually deployed as a striker or winger when playing for the reserves but was handed his first-team debut in the problem full-back position when he came off the bench during the 2-1 Clydesdale Bank Premier League win over Gretna a fortnight ago.

And the youngster insists he would have no qualms about stepping into the role again if Strachan seeks emergency cover in the weeks ahead.

"I never envisaged my full Celtic debut being as a right-back," he admitted. "I never even envisaged it being away from home but I suppose you can never call it.

"That's just the way things happen. As things stand, it looks as though there might be a slot at right-back. Who knows what will happen though.

"The boys who have been playing there have picked up knocks while Paul Caddis, who would have probably have been given a chance, is also injured.

"I came on there against Gretna and I played right-back in a closed-doors friendly with Dundee last week and I felt okay.

"If the manager wants me to play there, I'll go in and do my best, give it everything and and try to learn as much as I can about the position."

Defensive concerns: Celtic boss Gordon Strachan

Having had a taste of senior action with the Scottish champions, the ambitious youngster is hungry for more.

"Now I just want to make as many appearances as I can," he told Celtic View.

"Hopefully, if the manager wants to change things, I'm the one he thinks can add a bit of spark to the game."