O'Connor in talks over new contract at Galway United
Central defender only signed initial contract until end of the season
Galway United's summer recruit Anthony O'Connor says he is in discussions with Galway United manager John Caufield about extending his contract with the Tribesmen beyond when his current deal expires at the end of the season.
The Cork native, who turns 34 next month, might have only made six appearances for United since joining from English non-league side Harrogate Town in August, but he has already established himself as a key player in the heart of the United defence.
His impact extends beyond his own match-day efforts, with Wasiri Williams recently crediting his new teammate in driving him to improved displays, saying O'Connor has already become an important voice in the dressing room.
"I'm flattered, obviously, you know when the lads speak highly of you or have nice things to say, I'm flattered, but, you know, I take a quote from Roy Keane's book: 'I'm just doing my job'.
"It's my job to defend and put my body on the line, defend the box, and try to make those around me better as well by being a leader and using my voice and trying to put people in positions," he said.
His handful of displays has already prompted rumours that recently crowned First Division champions, Cork City, will want to lure O'Connor back to his native county, but when that is put to him, he says the talks he is engaged in are about staying at United.
"It's just till the end of the season at the moment," he says of the summer deal he signed with United, "but me and John are in discussions at the minute."
When the Cork rumours are put to him, he says "you know what, that's completely out of my hands".
"Obviously, I'm from Cork, but I can honestly say my full focus is completely on Galway and I'm having discussions with John at the minute about potentially looking more long-term as well.
"I'm happy here at the minute, we're playing decent stuff and the lads have been brilliant. All of them, honest to god, I can't speak highly enough of the whole club from fitness coaches to physios down to the players, staff, all have been fantastic with me.
"So I'm really enjoying it at the minute, but my total focus now is on trying to get Galway as high up in the league as possible and then see can we get to the FAI Cup final as well," he said.