O’Connor to be Backup Goalkeeper

Having seen Billy Jones play across the back four and in midfield this season, one could be forgiven for thinking that Billy personified versatility. However, Crewe youngster Michael O’Connor is more than a match for Billy in terms of his versatility after it was revealed that the Northern Irish youth captain can play in any position, even as a goalkeeper.

With Ross Turnbull this week recalled by Middlesbrough, Ben Williams still out with meningitis and numerous youth keepers out with injury, Michael O’Connor will go in goal on Sunday if Stuart Tomlinson is injured or sent off. Dario Gradi revealed, ‘Michael O?Connor is a very capable goalkeeper, he?s very capable of any position I think, and at most sports also. I?m sure if I ask for a volunteer, he?d be amongst the candidates.’

The highly-rated youngster is set to make his first start for the first team this Sunday, and is expected to line up alongside Kenny Lunt in the centre of midfield. However, don’t rule out a change of position at any stage of the game.