'Good enough' - Former Wrexham midfielder reckons NFF target Okonkwo is Championship quality

Former Wrexham midfielder Waynne Phillips believes Arthur Okonkwo is good enough to play in the EFL Championship.

In another fairytale season, history was made in English football as Wrexham became the first team in England's top five divisions to ever earn back-to-back-to-back promotions.

As Wrexham prepare for life in the Championship, questions are mounting over the futures of several key first-team players, including Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer.

Hale End Academy product Arthur Okonkwo emerged as one of League One’s standout shot-stoppers, registering 18 clean sheets in just 32 games, even though he missed out on the Team of the Season.

Last season, the Nigeria Football Federation target was named as the best goalkeeper in League Two, playing a big part in Wrexham's promotion with 14 clean sheets in 36 league matches.

"It will cost them to get rid of a few. I can't see Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer at the club next season," Phillips told BBC Sport.

"James McClean, Steven Fletcher, Jay Rodriguez and Matty James - can they do it in the Championship again? And will they offer enough to make Wrexham competitive?"

The 23-year-old Okonkwo has been a standout performer, impressing with his reflexes, distribution and calm presence under pressure.

Amid the uncertainty over the future of some first team stars, Phillips offered praise for several players he believes are capable of making the step up, including  former England youth international goalkeeper Okonkwo.

He added: "I've said for a long time that Max Cleworth is good enough for the Championship, so are Dan Scarr, Lewis Brunt and Arthur Okonkwo."

Okonkwo joined Wrexham on a permanent deal last summer, signing a three-year contract until June 30, 2027.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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