Since joining the club from Hyde United last month, defender D’Arcy O’Connor has struggled to cement a place in the side, having had to settle for the substitute’s bench at Hurst Cross since his February move.

O’Connor’s lack of game time is testament to the quality of the Robins squad, with the likes of Sam Wilson, Jack Higgins and Jay Gorton all keeping the cultured defender out of the side.

The 20 year-old who began his career at Rochdale is still enjoying learning at the club and told the official club website he can understand why he has not been in the side, considering the circumstances of the current league position and quality of the squad;

“My time at the club has been very enjoyable so far. It’s pleasing to get back working hard and the environment I'm in is first class. The coaching staff have treated me well and I get along with the lads too!”

Adding; “I’ve got to take into consideration the time I've come to the club, which is near the end of the season and the respective position the team is in. The players that play have played all season so I can't be disappointed to not be playing, I’ve just got to wait for my chance.”

At such a young age the centre-back has played under the guidance of some top managers. O’Connor believes his management team at Hurst Cross has taught him a lot and he has said he is now ‘enjoying his football’ since the intervention of Phillo and Ackers;

“Paul and Steve have taught me to enjoy my football and to not be afraid of making mistakes. They are very supportive and with their knowledge I’m sure the club can go far.”

The Oldham born stopper believes his first appearance for the club will come and is eager to impress his team mates and the supporters of Ashton United by helping the side gain a historic promotion to the Conference North come the end of the season;

“Hopefully my first start is close, but as you have seen on Tuesday night, we have lots of players who can play different positions. I am really keen to impress because I want to contribute to winning games and getting the side promoted this season.”

Finishing off, O’Connor believes the side have it in them to reach the promised land of 6th tier football if the side stay focused and take every game on it’s merit between now and the end of the league campaign;

“It’s vital that we stay focused, but this team has been through this stage of the season the past two years and we know how to deal with it. I’ve got every confidence in the team grabbing maximum points in this busy month of March. There's no easy games, every game will be a battle, but we are more than capable of being able to deal with anything that comes our way.”