Former Ireland U-21 cap Tom O’Connor has been backed to deliver more goals for Wrexham after his strike helped the Welsh club into the next round of the FA Cup.
A deflected strike from Kilkenny native O’Connor was the only goal of the game as Wrexham won away to close rivals Shrewsbury Town, a relief for Wrexham to get into the fourth round but also for O’Connor, who had been on a run of 38 games without a goal. He had last found the net, also in an FA Cup tie, 12 months ago.
“Tommy is a good finisher. He hasn’t got the goals this year, but he will. The ball has a habit of dropping to him in the box,” said manger Phil Parkinson.
“It was a nice touch of calmness from Sam Dalby as well, just laying the ball back to him, and if you hit the target it’s always got a chance. Yes, it got deflected, but it’s Tommy’s goal.”
O’Connor was one of three Irish players in the Wrexham side, along with James McClean and Anthony Forde, with ex-Sligo keeper Luke McNicholas on the bench.
The Kilkenny-born player began his career with New Ross Celtic and after a stint with Southampton had spells with Gillingham and Burton Albion before a move to Wrexham two years ago.
