Sky Sports is reporting this afternoon that a host of clubs are pursuing Scunthorpe United midfielder, Michael O’Connor, and one of the clubs is said to be Newcastle United.
Michael O’Connor – young player attracting attention
The Belfast-born 22 year old midfielder, who stands 6’1″, is said to have enhanced his growing reputation with a super goal and a man-of-the-match display in the 1-1 draw against Cardiff last Saturday.
Both West Ham and Hull City are keeping tabs on the youngster, and Newcastle United are said to be monitoring his situation. Whether there’s any truth in this, we just don’t know, but the lad seems to be an up-and-coming player, for sure.
The Northern Ireland international has this season become a key player for Scunthorpe this season, since his arrival from Crewe Alexandra last year.
Of course, Scunthorpe would be loathe to lose the player, but a reasonable bid may be too good for the hard up Scunthorpe United club to turn down.
But if history is any guide, Newcastle will try to get him for peanuts, and fail miserably, and at the same time upset the Scunthorpe club.
The 22 year-old played 56 times for Crewe Alexandra and score one goal, since he joined them in 2005, as an 18 year-0ld.
Michael has played 21 times, with a single goal, for Scunthorpe United, and has so far played 7 times for his country, Northern Ireland.
Comments welcome.
7 comments so far
Whumpie
Jan 20, 2010 at 3:57 PM
Comment #1hmm… just more speculation, I think. If this fella plays in the centre, is he significantly better than Guthrie or (spit) Barton?
If he’s a right-winger, that’s different. Need one of those!
lesh
Jan 20, 2010 at 4:07 PM
Comment #2I’ll believe that Newcastle United are serious about wanting a promising young player when they sign one.
The club is clearly going through the motions of trying to sign players and whilst the pay maximum may be sensible at the moment, letting it leak out then offering coppers for or to a player is nothing less than insulting to all.
We clearly need another striker who can get us 10-15 goals yet will they sign one? Doubtful to say the least.
Steved
Jan 20, 2010 at 4:30 PM
Comment #3For years we have suffered with lack of creativity in midfield (YEARS!!!)
So surely we have to sort this out at some point, this season is a classic example. Smith Nolan and Guthrie have been great defensively but are too one dimensional going forward .
We need a new Rob Lee some one sit behind the strikers and occasional get us a few goals. ( don’t think we would get him but Jack wiltshire would be a good shout)
I also agree with Whumpie right winger is a must and Guthrie can only pass sideways, cant rely on Jonas never an end product, always looking to get a freekick rather than a cross, better of putting Enrique in his position!
MacToon
Jan 20, 2010 at 5:41 PM
Comment #4Steved, Nolan’s obviously doing something right going forward considering how many goals he’s got but do agree with your post.
We never really replaced Parker when FSA sold him, replaced him with Barton and as we know that hasn’t worked out that well.
Magpie_May
Jan 20, 2010 at 6:08 PM
Comment #5how about the boy name Per Ciljan Skjelbred
I’ve heard that he is a very promising young lad
and there’re news that we interested in him forever
So this time do us favor Asley
SIGN HIM !!!
toonie
Jan 20, 2010 at 7:33 PM
Comment #6We need someone who can be creative and chip-in a few goals. 3 goals from 80 apperances at Scuny hardly fits the bill !!!
hayward223
Jan 20, 2010 at 7:55 PM
Comment #7Yeah Skjelbred would be nice, but even Gary O’neil, Joe Ledley, Moses. Probably more realistic