O'Connor's twin target

Michael O'Connor has set himself a double goal of helping Crewe avoid relegation and winning his place back in the Northern Ireland squad.

The highly-rated midfielder returned to the Crewe side in midweek and helped them to a 1-0 win at Southend after being left out of the previous two games.

The 21-year-old was praised by Crewe boss Gudjon Thordarson for his showing against Southend and O'Connor wants his football to do his talking for him.

O'Connor is determined to keep his place in the side and he hopes playing regularly for his club will enhance his ambitions of being recalled to the Northern Ireland for next month's World Cup qualifiers with Poland and Slovakia.

"It was good to be back in the team and it was great to help the team to a big win," O'Connor told skysports.com.

"I was happy to be playing again after missing a few games.

"Everything went well at Southend and the manager said he was happy with my performance.

"I am hoping to keep my place in the side to face Huddersfield and I plan to do my utmost to help Crewe get out trouble."

International ambition

O'Connor was left out of the Northern Ireland squad for the recent World Cup qualifying win over San Marino, but he hopes being back playing regularly will see him get the call from Nigel Worthington for next month's World Cup qualifiers with Poland and Slovakia.

"Nigel explained to me I was not in the squad for the San Marino game because I was not playing regularly.

"I understand that and now I am back in the Crewe side I hope I can earn a recall for next month's big games with Poland and Slovakia.

"I have won five caps and I want to add to that in the future.

"Hopefully Nigel will come to watch me in the next few weeks and hopefully I can do enough to earn my place back in the squad."