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The Republic of Ireland U21 star, who featured in all but one of Brentford's league fixtures last season, ended any speculation that he maybe about to join the recent exodus of players out of Griffin Park by putting pen to paper on a new deal this morning (Monday).
The 21-year-old O'Connor has come a long way since making his debut in a goalless draw at home to Wycombe Wanderers in a Nationwide Division Two fixture back in February 2000 and has now notched up nearly 100 appearances for the Bees.
Last season the reliable O'Connor, who has become an intergral part of the first team, scored five league goals as well as securing the opener in the FA Cup First Round victory at Adams Park against Wycombe Wanderers.
O'Connor also excelled in the Worthington Cup First Round penalty shoot-out success at AFC Bournemouth, bagging three penalties throughout the evening, two during normal time and one in the sudden-death finale.
It is now to be hoped that O'Connor, with his immediate future assured, can continue to blossom and fulfill the potential he has shown over the last couple of seasons.
Meanwhile, Downes can now address other areas of the team that need strengthening prior to a return to pre-season training at the beginning of July.
Nb. A reminder that the new fixture list for the 2003/04 season is released this coming Thursday and will be available on the site soon after 1000am.