Michael O'Connor played against the Czech Republic earlier this month.

Crewe midfielder Michael O'Connor says that playing for Northern Ireland has improved his all-round game.

Yet to start for his country, O'Connor has won three caps off the bench, most recently a half-time appearance in the 0-0 World Cup draw against the Czechs.

That has helped the 21-year-old become Crewe's top scorer this season, having hit four goals for the Alex.

He told BBC Radio Stoke: "Being among Premier League players is enjoyable and they are helping my game to progress."

Prior to the start of this season, O'Connor, who signed professional in 2005, had scored just once in almost 50 first team starts.

But, after netting from the penalty spot to help earn the Alex their first win of the season in August, O'Connor has now scored in each of Crewe's last three games, including Tuesday night's equaliser in the narrow 2-1 Carling Cup defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.

After making his international debut as a half-time sub in the 4-1 win over Georgia in March, he also came off the bench in the 0-0 draw against Scotland at Hampden last month, and was used similarly against the Czech Republic.

Meanwhile, long-serving midfielder Ben Rix's chances of going out on loan have been dashed through injury.

Rix suffered a suspected hairline fracture of the metatarsal in a reserve game.

Second-choice keeper Adam Legzdins has also been ruled out for a long spell after undergoing surgery on an injured shoulder.