Ben Dawson’s side have only recorded two wins in their first six outings in all competitions, though both have come in eye-catching fashion – a 5-0 Tyne-Wear derby victory over Sunderland in the Premier League 2 Division Two, and a 3-1 success at League One outfit Doncaster Rovers in the Checkatrade Trophy.
Otherwise, though, they have struggled for consistency. Friday’s 1-0 defeat to Southampton was their third in the Premier League 2, and meant they slipped to ninth in the table.
But, ahead of Friday’s trip to Norwich City, O’Connor was keen to stress that the Magpies’ youngsters have lost none of the self-belief they generated after their impressive win at the Keepmoat Stadium.
“We’ve seen a few clips of Norwich and seen the way that they play. It won’t be an easy game but with the quality we have, we should be winning – without a doubt,” he told nufc.co.uk. “To be honest, I think the team’s confident. We know we have ability. Time will tell – if we keep doing the right things, the results will come.”
Along with Owen Bailey, Callum Roberts and Kelland Watts, O’Connor has started every game for United’s Under-23s so far.
The 21-year-old is into his second season on Tyneside, having linked up with the Magpies after leaving Arsenal at the end of the 2016/17 campaign.
He has settled into a central defensive role – his favoured position – in recent weeks, regularly playing alongside Watts and two other members of last season’s Under-18 team, Lewis Cass and Oliver Walters.
Emerging as the back four’s elder statesman has proved an enjoyable experience for O’Connor, though, with the Londoner hopeful of raising his profile as the campaign progresses.
“This is the first time I’ve been the more senior player in a back four, but I’m relishing it, really,” he said. “Helping the younger players’ development, giving them advice, and learning from them, too – it’s always good to play with new players and see new things.
“In my personal opinion, I need to be more consistent – the same as the team does. Hopefully, I can do what I need to do and the team can do what it needs to do, and as a collective we can come together and get the results we should be getting.
“Coming here, it’s been a good learning curve – making the transition from my former club to this club. It’s a different style of football and a different philosophy, but I think I’ve adjusted quite well. I’m just happy I’ve cemented my place in the team. Hopefully, my performances keep getting better and allow me to push on, and hopefully get a look in and around the first team.”
