O'Brien-Whitmarsh reveals his position preference and why he chose Cobblers

The 21-year-old was announced as Northampton’s ninth summer signing earlier this week when putting pen to paper on a three-year deal. Described as a ‘six or a 10’ by manager Chris Hogg, O’Brien-Whitmarsh was asked on the Cobblers Show where he sees himself playing.

“Growing up I always saw myself as an attacking player and a number 10 but over the last 12 months I’ve really learned how to play as the six,” he explained. “Working with people like Adam Lallana at Southampton has given my a different perspective of that role.

“I’m comfortable in both positions but I just like playing where I can touch the ball loads so that probably means playing a bit deeper. But I don’t want to be pigeon holed, I’m fairly fluid and I don’t really have a preference.”

Hogg has generally liked to play with two orthodox central midfielders during his short time as Northampton boss so far, one of which has more freedom to get forward, and two number 10s.

“I think I can play in any of those positions,” added O’Brien-Whitmarsh, “When I watched the game against Swindon at the weekend, it was something I could see myself doing. I really won’t mind where I play and I think the system and the way the manager wants to play will suit me.”

Elaborating a bit more on how his move to Sixfields came about, the Irishman continued: “I spoke to the gaffer the first time a few days before the Swindon game and it was agreed that I’d come up and watch the game.

“I met a lot of people at the club, which was really nice, I went home and then my agent rang the next evening to say I had a medical booked, so it all moved very quickly.

“I had a couple of clubs interested so I still had to make that decision but to be honest, after watching the game on Saturday and having spoke to the gaffer, it felt like the right decision. I just wanted a bit of time to think about it but by Sunday evening my mind was made up and then it all moved quickly.”

O’Brien-Whitmarsh initially thought he might head out on loan this summer but, as time went on, a permanent move became his preference.

He added: “It was always my aim to go and play regularly this season. It was tough last year because I did my hamstring at the end of pre-season, which kept me out for four months, and then I couldn’t quite get a loan in January. It was big for me to back into men’s football this season and I decided quite late on that I wanted it to be a permanent move.”