Wrexham loan star Arthur Okonkwo has finally broken into the team, and has started the last two matches.
The 22-year-old was outstanding on Tuesday, helping Wrexham keep a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw against Mansfield where he pulled off some terrific saves.
The goalkeeper joined on loan from Arsenal following the retirement of Ben Foster, and was initially benched for Mark Howard, but it now appears that he could be set to become the number-one option.
Okonkwo praises Parkinson
Speaking after the draw with Mansfield, Okonkwo praised Phil Parkinson for giving him a chance, and also claimed that it was always the plan to start on the bench before eventually coming in.
“The manager’s really looked after me well,” When I first arrived he said ‘Look, we’re going to take it easy, not rush you in too quickly, get you used to the squad,'” he stated.
“I have full trust in the manager and he’s brought me in, slowly, and it’s worked until now.”
Looking forward
Okonkwo’s contract at Arsenal expires in the summer, and it seems that he will move on as a free agent.
If he impresses as the number one option, Wrexham should do all they can to sign him permanently, and he could develop into a long-term goalkeeper.
Having a young goalkeeper in League Two, when gunning for promotion, could be a good thing. If Wrexham end up climbing up another division, like owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds dream of, then Okonkwo can become a consistent presence in the team.
It is early days, but Okonkwo is a talented goalkeeper and he has looked fantastic in his appearances so far. Parkinson seems to trust him now, and it is good to see a bright young talent flourishing in this Wrexham side.