Midfielder who signed his first professional contract with the club in July 2005 after just one season on the scholarship scheme. The Belfast born player has had a long association with the club after being spotted playing in his native Northern Ireland and signed on scholarship terms as soon as he was allowed following his 16^th birthday. He was also a key member of the Alex's youth side which reached the Semi-Finals of the FA Youth Cup in 2004.

O'Connor has represented Northern Ireland at all youth levels and captained their Under-18's in the UEFA European Under-18 Championships in France in 2004, and in 2008 was capped for the full International side for the first time against Georgia. Michael also started in Ireland's 3-0 win over San Marino in the World Cup qualifiers.

A tough tackling midfielder who can score his fair share of goals, Michael has really progressed in the last few seasons but his potential has been halted by niggling injuries. Although O'Connor didn't start the 2007/2008 campaign in the because of a groin injury, once he had recovered he was back in the side on a regular basis showing his true potential and later pledging his immediate future to the club. In the 2008/2009 season, he was an integral part of the side, until disagreements with the new management meant he moved to Lincoln City on a loan spell for regular football.

Has added goals to his game last season and has always been a threat from set-pieces. He netted six times last season, including against Liverpool in the Carling Cup at Anfield.