O'Brien: My fledgling career is down to Celtic mentor Tommy

May 18 2008 By Mark Guidi

JIM O'BRIEN was a starry-eyed kid when he first met Tommy Burns but it was a moment that helped shape the Dundee United midfielder's career.

The on-loan Celtic youngster, like so many in Scottish football, has been shattered by the passing of Parkhead legend Tommy.

But the 20-year-old must now run out at Tannadice on Thursday against his former team-mates in a highly-emotional occasion as the Hoops support celebrate the life of one of their club's greats.

Burns made a huge impact on O'Brien from the day he put him through his paces when he was a 12-year-old schoolboy hoping to make the grade at Celtic.

Even when Jim went on loan to United in January the Celtic coach would always have time to pass on advice and offer encouragement.

O'Brien said: "It's going to be an emotional night on Thursday.

"Loads of guys at Celtic owe Tommy a lot and I'm one of them.

"I'm gutted at what has happened and can't speak highly enough of the man.

"When I heard the news I was plodding along and it wasn't until the afternoon it really hit me.

"Everyone knew Tommy wasn't well and didn't have long to go but it's still hard to get your head round.

"I went on to the Celtic website to see some of the tributes and watched Gordon Strachan's press conference but had to turn it off because I got so choked up.

"Tommy was a true gentleman in football and away from it. He helped everyone and would never forget a face.

"He was so enthusiastic about his job and I owe him everything.

"I first worked with him when I was 12 and that just shows how committed he was to the job.

"I remember going back to tell my dad I had been training with Tommy Burns and he was almost as excited as I was.

"Tommy was working with the first team but then went out at night to coach 12-year-old kids - that's what he was all about." O'Brien revealed how Buns took time out to praise him after his performance at Parkhead in March even though he had just discovered his cancer had returned.

Jim said: "He was always upbeat and couldn't help people enough.

"I was down about being left out at Celtic but Tommy kept me going - he'd take me aside and tell me to be patient because it would come.

"We used to go out in the afternoons and work on my left foot.

I'd like to think I was quite close to him and it's a massive loss.

"To know him was a privilege. I texted Tommy after we played at Celtic Park and it was just after he realised his illness had returned.

"He got back to me straight away, saying I had played well and to stick in there.

"That summed him up - he'd just had terrible news but was thinking about other people."

While Celtic could secure their third successive title on Thursday - a triumph that would have overjoyed Burns - O'Brien knows his former mentor would want him to do everything he can to stop his employers being crowned champs.

And while he will be thinking of Tommyas he runs out at Tannadice, O'Brien will quickly focus on helping United bag their first win over Celtic since 1999.

Jim, whose Parkhead contract runs out this summer, said: "I don't know where I'm going to be next season.

"I've not spoken to Celtic about what's happening so it's a chance to impress.

"It's all about being professional and if the chance to score in the last minute comes along I'll do it - you've got to do your job.

"I'd probably be gutted if that happened but I'm a United player and will be doing all I can to help the team win.

"I'm sure the Celtic fans will understand."