Wrexham’s push for promotion means everybody needs to play their part and welcoming back Thomas O’Connor from injury has provided a welcome boost.
O’Connor had carved out a key role in the first half of the season, providing real quality from midfield or even as a left-sided centre back.
Wrexham were hit hard when O’Connor picked up a foot injury in January, ruling him out of action for two months.
O’Connor was able to return off the bench against Tranmere Rovers earlier in March but fears were raised when Phil Parkinson admitted that he took a ‘bad whack on his knee’.
O’Connor was able to start in a Central League game against Salford City in midweek before being thrown straight into the starting lineup against Grimsby Town on Saturday.
The 24-year-old started in midfield, offering a strong base for Elliot Lee and two-goal hero Andy Cannon to go on and shine further forward.
O’Connor was able to pick up an assist as well though, picking out Cannon for his second goal of the game as Wrexham coasted to a 3-1 victory.
Phil Parkinson on Thomas O’Connor
The hope is that O’Connor can now steer clear of injuries and continue to make a big impact between now and the end of the season.
After all, Wrexham are going for promotion and a player like O’Connor can certainly help secure that step up to League One.
Boss Parkinson has now delivered his verdict on O’Connor’s performance whilst speaking to Wrexham’s official YouTube channel.
Parkinson suggested that O’Connor has ‘got class’ in his locker and really appreciates the ‘very cool head’ he provides at the base of the Wrexham midfield.
Parkinson understands how horrible the last couple of months have been for O’Connor as he watched on from the sidelines, but was appreciate of the ‘real quality’ he provided at Grimsby.
“Tommy has got class and he’s obviously got a very cool head and you could see that today,” said Parkinson. “Very pleased that he got through 90, we played him 60 on Tuesday because we felt that he needed to get going again but his performance was really good today and he can take a lot of heart from that.”
“It’s horrible when you’re injured and you’re watching the team, he’s been desperate to come back but he showed real quality today,” he added.
The balance of the midfield seemed on-point on Saturday with O’Connor complementing Lee and Cannon well.
James McClean will be in the mix too, giving Wrexham enviable midfield options as the promotion run-in approaches its crescendo.
O’Connor was linked with a move to Championship side Coventry City last summer and more performances like this may just bring that interest back – but Wrexham will be in a great position to fend off any suitors if promotion can be secured.