Wrexham boss delighted to keep Arsenal's Arthur Okonkwo on loan

Arthur Okonkwo has been with Arsenal's academy since 2009 and has represented the club in the EFL Trophy

Manager Phil Parkinson says retaining loan signing Arthur Okonkwo is "massive" for Wrexham as they continue their push for promotion.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper signed a season-long loan from Arsenal last September.

The deadline for Okonkwo to be called back was 21 January and when no call came, Parkinson admits relief.

"It's a massive signing for us to keep Arthur, he's been exceptional for us," he said.

"He's a great lad and has bought in to everything the club is about. He's moved up here and he's been great to have around, but not just that, he's a terrific goalkeeper.

"When someone plays well you always worry that they've caught the eye of other teams. So yes, I was pleased when the clock struck 12 after the 21st."

Parkinson says he is in regular contact with the Arsenal loans manager saying "they've been brilliant with us."

"They're very interested in Arthur's progress, and they know we're looking after him well.

"This is a great stage for Arthur to play on, with the expectancy of everything here at Wrexham, playing in front of packed houses every week. They understand this is a great place for him to be."

Parkinson added most people look at who Hollywood-owned Wrexham might bring in during the January transfer window, but stresses the retention of players is just as important.

"Elliot Lee and Paul Mullin have signed new contracts, we've kept Arthur, that's a very good window so far," said Parkinson.

"If we do make an addition or two, that will be a bonus. It's important to use the window to also keep what you've got."

Wrexham are currently two points adrift of League Two leaders Stockport, with attention now turning to the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Wrexham will be looking to cause an upset when they travel to Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers on Monday, 29 January.

"We've worked very hard to get to this stage," said Parkinson.

"In my time here, we've always understood the tradition of club and the FA Cup.

"We've got to this stage after coming through some really tough games. What a great opportunity it is to go to Ewood Park with 7,000 of our own fans behind us.

"It's a game to really look forward too. It's about going there and giving a good account of ourselves, like we've done before in this competition.

"We know the league is our top priority but let's really focus on Monday night and enjoy everything that Wrexham football club is about.

"Our aim as a team is to go there and give a good account of ourselves. To create a cup upset we've got to run harder, we've got to run further, tackle stronger and pass it more crisply.

"Everything in our game must be that bit better, to give ourselves a chance of being in the hat."