This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Player view’ series, this content strand is where we put ourselves in the shoes of a given player, and offer an opinion-based outlook on the perspective on the situation at hand…

There are often a number of players who are able to have successful loan moves that often make their playing career, as they are able to gain important experience and development during that time.

One of these in recent months has been Thomas O'Connor, who has been on loan at Gillingham from Southampton since the start of the season.

Football League World revealed exclusively last week that a number of Championship clubs were watching the young defender who has impressed during his loan spell at Gillingham.

It's not just the Championship clubs who have watched in awe, but also Southampton, his parent club, who are continuing to monitor the youngster.

O'Connor has played predominantly on the left side of the defence as either a left-back or a left wing-back as he looks to bolster his skills in that particular position of the pitch. His defensive work has stood out the most and he proved that over the weekend as he was part of a stern Gillingham defence that kept a clean sheet away at Fratton Park.

The youngster has to stay grounded and continue to work hard, that should be the first thing on his mind. Yes, there could be a big opportunity coming up for him in the near future but that won't happen if he takes his eye of what he needs to be done.

He has to just continue to develop not just his footballing skills, but also his body and the way he is growing, the more that he plays.

At just 20-years-old, there's high hopes for the future, and the key for O'Connor is to continue to play, if he can do that then there may be an option for him at some of England's best clubs. Under a manager such as Steve Evans, he'll only continue to improve defensively and the next natural step for him would be a move to either a Championship side on a permanent deal or on a separate loan move.

O'Connor has years ahead of him and he must make sure he carries on the same track otherwise that could result in the speculation fading.

[freshpress-poll ]