Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has just delivered a very encouraging update on the fitness of Thomas O’Connor.
It feels like forever since Wrexham supporters saw Thomas O’Connor in action.
He played his last game for the Reds in a 2-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon in January and that was where he suffered a slight fracture to his foot, since keeping him out of the squad.
The midfielder, who transitioned into a role as left centre-back for Phil Parkinson this term, was in excellent form before sustaining that injury.
During his period of absence, O’Connor’s versatility has been hugely missed and there is no surprise that results have taken a downturn.
Despite recording a 4-0 victory over Accrington Stanley on Saturday, the Reds have only won three of their last 10 matches in all competitions, so O’Connor’s return to action will be a welcomed one.
Luckily, Parkinson has just supplied an encouraging update on the talented 24-year-old.
Phil Parkinson says Thomas O’Connor is back in Wrexham training
Following an extended period on the injury table, there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel as O’Connor is now back in training after working on his fitness.
Parkinson has even revealed that a new piece of gym equipment has allowed the utility player to maintain fitness levels during his spell on the sidelines and is delighted that a return to action is nearing.
“Tom is back in training so I am really pleased,” Parkinson told the Leader. “We have had him rescanned and a natural healing process has to take place which you can’t really effect.
“But Kevin Mulholland and his team have been able to keep Tom’s fitness work up.
“Over the last six weeks, the club invested in an anti-gravity treadmill which reduces the impact through your knees in your foot and it has helped Tom a lot.
“It is a great bit of equipment for injured players but particularly for Tom because it has reduced the impact on his foot injury but he has been able to run and build-up his fitness which has been a huge bonus for us going into this week with him back in training.”
With Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney outlining their desire to invest in the latest technology to aid a player’s recovery, this has helped get O’Connor back to full fitness as we enter the promotion run-in.
O’Connor’s return is a timely boost
In Saturday’s 4-0 win, Parkinson used a back three of Max Cleworth, Eoghan O’Connell and Will Boyle.
The player who is likely to make way for O’Connor once he returns to the squad is Boyle.
Unfortunately, the Republic of Ireland-born star is a better option on the left side of defence and he showed that earlier on in the campaign.
Ultimately, the return of O’Connor is a timely one for Parkinson who should have one of his best defenders fit to tackle the run-in head on and that could make all the difference come the end of the season.