The 27-year-old midfielder signed a three-year contract with the Bairns on Monday, after a three-year spell down south at Sheffield Wednesday.

''I am obviously delighted to get signed,'' said O'Brien. "It's been quite a long process over the summer, so it's good to get the matter
sorted''

''Probably the most crucial factor was hearing the ambition of the club. I was actually quite surprised to see how far they wanted to go here. So once I heard that I wanted to be part of that and try and make history here."

He added: ''The training facilities here are also superb and are second to none. They are the best I have come across and that includes all the ones experienced in England.''

The former Scotland under-21 international had been a top target of John Hughes for a number of months and O'Brien is looking forward to playing for the new boss.

''Having spoke to people in the game and the manager himself I know how he wants to play football and that is getting the ball down and passing it and that is the way I want to play," he said.

''As a midfielder scoring goals is part of my game and that is something the manager has spoken to me about as well.

''But firstly I am going have to try and force myself into the side as there are a lot of good players here.''

The Bairns face a difficult start to the season with two matches against the Old Firm sandwiched between a trip to Easter Road, but
O'Brien is excited about the challenge.

''It's a tough start to the season, but that is the type of games you want to play and look forward too and I can't wait for it to start,'' he added.