TOM O'CONNOR has returned to training and Phil Parkinson revealed how a new piece of gym equipment has allowed the utility player to maintain fitness levels during his spell on the sidelines.

O'Connor, a midfielder who has been in excellent form playing as the left-sided centre-back for the majority of the League Two campaign, sustained a slight fracture in his foot ahead of the Welsh derby defeat to Newport County on January 20.

Absent for the last 10 games while the injury healed, O'Connor has still been able to work on his fitness and is now back in training. 

"Tom is back in training so I am really pleased," said Parkinson.

"We have had him rescanned and a natural healing process has to take place which you can't really affect.

"But Kevin Mulholland and his team have been able to keep Tom's fitness work up.

"Over the last six weeks, the club invested in an anti-gravity treadmill which reduces the impact through your knees in your foot and it has helped Tom a lot.

"It is a great bit of equipment for injured players but particularly for Tom because it has reduced the impact on his foot injury but he has been able to run and build-up his fitness which has been a huge bonus for us going into this week with him back in training."

Wrexham, who are third in the table with 11 games remaining, continue the promotion challenge against Morecambe at The Mazuma Stadium on Saturday.

Parkinson will monitor O'Connor this week before deciding whether he will be available.

"Tom is a really good player that can play in a number of positions for us so he brings real versatility back into the squad," added the Reds' boss.

"It will be great to get him back involved.

"He is going to need some training but we are pleased with where he is fitness-wise and we will assess him this week and see how he looks."