By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: <a href= http://bit.ly/lsiOza' class='instorylink'>@skysportspeteo</a>
Tuesday 13 September 2011 11:21, UK
Image:O'Brien: Rewarded with new four-year deal at Pride Park
Derby defender Mark O'Brien has won a new four-year deal as reward for his progress this season.
Teenage defender wins deal until 2015
Derby defender Mark O'Brien has won a new four-year deal as reward for his progress this season.
The 18-year-old centre-back has featured in all six of County's opening Championship matches, starting five alongside stand-in skipper Jason Shackell following injuries to a handful of defenders including Russell Anderson.
O'Brien, a Republic of Ireland youth international, only signed professional forms over the summer but has now tied down his future at Pride Park until 2015.
"I'm delighted and lost for words to be honest that the club has offered me the opportunity to remain a Derby County player for the long-term," O'Brien told the club's official website. "The last month or so has been an absolute dream.
"I've had so many highs during the last few weeks. It's been a huge learning curve for me in the early stages of my career and I'm really happy I've been presented the opportunity to extend my career at Derby."
