O'Connor bids to revive career

Jul 27 2007 By Paul Berry, Birmingham Mail

MIDFIELDER Kevin O'Connor is set to kick off his efforts to return to the Wolves' first team by departing for Gillingham on loan.

Luckless O'Connor finally made his long-awaited senior breakthrough at the beginning of the last campaign, starting the first three games, only to suffer a complicated sciatic nerve problem which ultimately finished his season.

The 21-year-old, not in contention to return to his native Ireland for Wolves' pre-season tour due to the birth of his baby son Daragh, is now set to relaunch his career by linking up with Gillingham until Christmas.

"I spoke to Mick McCarthy, and we both agreed it was a good idea,'' said O'Connor.

"With my injury, it was felt I needed games and to regain my fitness. I spoke to Mick and told him I didn't want to be playing reserve-team football.

"This is an opportunity to get back playing regularly.

"But my plan is to come back fully fit to Wolves, and then try and win my place back around Christmas and New Year."

While delighted to have become a father, which saw him miss the Irish trip, O'Connor admits he would have loved to have returned back home.

"I would have loved to have played against Bray, with it being my home-town club and at the Carlisle Grounds."