Gillingham boss Steve Evans has tipped Southampton loanee Tom O’Connor for the top in the week he earned his first Republic of Ireland Under-21 call-up. O’Connor has been selected by his country for the first time and could feature in head coach Stephen Kenny’s line-up when the Irish Under-21s face Armenia on Thursday.
His call-up meant that Gillingham boss Evans – who signed him on a loan deal from Saints at the end of July – could not pick him for his side’s EFL Trophy clash with Tottenham’s Under-21s on Tuesday.
But Evans, who has worked with numerous youngsters who have made it to the big time, believes O’Connor is destined to play at top-flight level.
He told Kent Online: “When I met him and the boy (Alfie) Jones (also on loan from Southampton) I said, if you want to be like a Lewis Cook (ex-Leeds youngster at Bournemouth), a Sam Byram or Charlie Taylor (both Leeds, now at Norwich and Burnley respectively), then come here and we will try and develop you. “He’s going with the Under-21s but it won’t be surprising if he is in the full squad (soon). He is a top, top player and he will play in the Premier League in time. Maybe not next season, but he will play in the Premier League.”
Able to operate as a defensive midfielder as well as a centre-back, the 20-year-old from Kilkenny has made 14 appearances for the Gills this season since joining on loan from St Mary’s.
O’Connor scored his first professional goal in the League One club’s 1-1 draw at Bristol Rovers in September and he assisted their winner against Accrington at the end of October.
If he doesn’t play on Thursday in Yerevan, O’Connor could make his international debut when the Republic of Ireland Under-21s are home to Sweden on Tuesday.
He will also miss the Gills’ next league match at home to Lincoln City on Saturday and the FA Cup first-round replay against Sunderland that follows.
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