YOUNG Blackburn Rovers defender Anthony O’Connor has received a ringing endorsement from Plymouth Argyle manager John Sheridan.

Sheridan believes O’Connor, who joined Argyle in August on a six-month loan, is his ‘most important player’.

The 21-year-old has played at right back and centre back during his previous loan spells away from Rovers at Burton Albion and Torquay United.

But at Argyle the Republic of Ireland U21s international, who set up his side’s winner at Tranmere Rovers on Saturday, has operated in a holding role in front of the defence.

And Sheridan said: “He’s comfortable on the ball, and he’s a footballing centre half, so he was always going to be someone who could play in that position.

“If you have got a defensive-minded player in there he just gives that little bit of cover for your keeper and your back four.

“It’s like a back six really.

“He wants to play anywhere as well.

“He’s that type of lad – as long as he’s playing he’s happy. That’s a good thing about him.

“You put him anywhere on the pitch and he would give you 100 per cent.”