Hibernian's Alan O'Brien comes off the bench to replace teammate Jonatan Johansson (left)

Hibs have made a surprise announcement by revealing that left winger Alan O’Brien’s contract has been terminated to let him explore other career opportunities.

The Republic of Ireland international has never managed to win over the fans at Easter Road but his release has still come as something of a shock as his contract still had 2 years to run.

O’Brien was signed by John Collins who saw him as a direct replacement for the departed Ivan Sproule and was quoted as saying “Alan’s like Ivan Sproule on a motorbike”.

The Irishman though has failed to deliver anything of note since signing from Newcastle United – then of the Premiership – back in 2007.

He has been hampered with several niggling injuries but new manager John Hughes obviously decided he was surplus to requirements at Easter Road and sanctioned his release.

O’Brien’s future is unclear although it would appear his future will lie in the lower reaches of the English leagues.

The official statement on www.hibs.co.uk announcing his release was worthy of just two lines on the club’s website and read simply Hibernian can also confirm that Allan O`Brien`s contract has been cancelled by mutual consent to allow him to explore other career opportunities.