PHIL PARKINSON says keeping Arthur Okonkwo for the second half of last season was key to Wrexham clinching promotion and he believes the goalkeeper will get even better during his time at The Racecourse.

Oknokwo joined the Reds on a season-long loan from Premier League giants Arsenal in September 2023 but there was a recall clause in the contract.

However, the deadline passed during the winter transfer window and Okonkwo helped Wrexham finish runners-up in League Two, securing a second promotion in a row for the first time in the club's history.

Okonkwo kept 16 clean sheets in all competitions last term and after leaving Arsenal in the summer, Parkinson snapped up the 23-year-old on a three-year deal.

The stopper has already proved his worth for high-flying Wrexham in League One this season, keeping eight clean sheets in 14 games and conceding only 10 goals, and Parkinson hailed his number one.

"Arthur was an amazing signing last year when we brought him in," said the Reds' boss.

"Keeping him in January for the rest of the season impacted hugely on our promotion.

"He is a great character and he loves it here.

"You see it in training all the time that he makes difficult saves look easy at times with his athleticism and his size.

"Where can he go as a goalkeeper is difficult to say but he is someone we rate very highly and we want him to continue to grow with us as a football club."

Okonkwo can expect a breather tonight with Parkinson set to ring the changes when Wrexham head to Port Vale for their final EFL Trophy group game with qualification for the knockout stages already secured.

He signed off with some key saves and a shut-out as Wrexham registered a hard-fought 1-0 win at home to Mansfield Town on Saturday to stay third in League One.

"Arthur produces big moments and big saves," added Parkinson, who is set to turn to deputy keeper Callum Burton at Vale Park.

"They are defining moments and that is why I was so keen to bring Arthur to the club."