Northern Irishman Says He Has Learnt A Lot From Veteran
, admitting the former Premier League star has had a massive impact on him this season.Michael Brownhas praised teammate Michael O’ConnorPort Vale midfielder
The duo were signed by the Valiants during the summer following their release by former clubs Rotherham United and Leeds United respectively.
They have started alongside each other in a fair share of Vale’s games this season and have impressed with their work-rate and creativity.
During Tuesday afternoon’s press conference at Vale Park, O’Connor spoke of the admiration he has for his midfield partner.
“He is brilliant,” the Northern Irishman said. “On the pitch he talks me through the whole game. If he says to do something, I’ll do it because he has been there, done it and played with top, top players.
“So if he tells you to do something, you do it. He has helped me a lot, he has told me what to do and where to go and it’s helping me.”
“We’ve got Dicko as the a captain out there but Browny is very vocal in there and it helps all the lads, especially the young lads coming through.
“But to play alongside him, he gives 100 per cent, everyone does but he is 38 but you think he is 22 the way he runs about.”
with 42 points, three away from the play-off places, and O’Connor reckons we are now entering the ‘business end’ of the campaign.Sky Bet League OneVale currently sit 12th in
“It has been a very long season and we’re getting into the business end now,” he commented.
“I said at the start of the season, around January time, if we’re still within three, four, five or six points off the play-offs we’ll give it a good go and we’re still in the mix.”
Having been in and out of Steve Evans’ promotion-winning Rotherham side last season, O’Connor has been an ever-present for Vale so far this term.
The 27-year-old midfielder has played in all but one league game, which he missed through suspension, and admits he is enjoying his football at Vale Park at the moment.
“To come here and play, I’ve only missed one game here through suspension,” he added.
“Last year I was in and out of the team at Rotherham so to come here and play near enough every game, it has helped me and I’m feeling good.”