Wrexham defender Thomas O’Connor made his first start in two months this afternoon as the reserves thrashed Salford City 7-1 in the Central League.
Thomas O’Connor made his first appearance in over two months on Saturday as Wrexham lost 1-0 against Tranmere Rovers in League Two.
The 24-year-old replaced Andy Cannon for the final 11 minutes of that contest.
O’Connor had missed 11 matches for Wrexham since a 2-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon in the middle of January, and his presence in midfield and as a left-sided defender has been a big miss to Phil Parkinson.
Labelled as “classy” during his time in the National League last term, the Irishman attracted interest from multiple Championship clubs, including Coventry City, last summer.
The Southampton academy graduate possesses real talent and his versatility across multiple positions makes him a sought-after prospect.
As Wrexham aim to hold on to the final automatic promotion spot in League Two, O’Connor’s return to the fold is a timely one and he made his first start for the club in over two months this afternoon.
Thomas O’Connor plays 61 minutes in a 7-1 thrashing of Salford City
Wrexham’s reserves fielded a strong team against Salford City in the Central League this afternoon as the likes of James McClean, Ben Tozer, Jack Marriott and O’Connor were all given a runout.
While Marriott stole the headlines by netting a hat-trick, it was refreshing to see O’Connor play 61 minutes in a 7-1 thrashing.
It feels like an age since the talented Irishman started for Wrexham and the fact he lasted over an hour suggests a first-team start isn’t too far away.
O’Connor predominantly starred as a left-sided defender before his injury, but the rise of Max Cleworth and Will Boyle means he’ll struggle to displace one of those two, so perhaps Parkinson will use him as a central midfielder.
Should O’Connor start against Grimsby Town?
Wrexham travel to Grimsby on Saturday looking to stop the rot.
Parkinson’s men were held to a goalless draw against Harrogate and beaten by Tranmere on home soil.
The Reds must bounce back in Lincolnshire by beating an in-form Grimsby side who are unbeaten in their last six.
And after watching O’Connor get more minutes into his legs this afternoon, albeit against weaker opposition, Parkinson has to decide whether to play him.
With McClean still suspended, there’s a possibility that he could start the 24-year-old over Luke Young on Saturday.
It could be the perfect opportunity to reward O’Connor with a start before McClean returns from his suspension, although the Wrexham boss may want to ease him back into the action for a few more games.
Nonetheless, watching him play this afternoon was a huge boost to Parkinson in what has been a difficult week.