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 at the end of last season.

Michael, a tough tackling midfielder who can score his fair share of goals, signed a three-year contract in 2005, and a contract extension in the summer of 2008.

Michael has really progressed in the last two 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.