AFTER two months out with injury, Michael O'Connor believes he can be the missing link for Scunthorpe United in their battle for survival.

The Northern Irishman, who has been sidelined since January with a knee problem, knows there is much competition for places in the Iron midfield.

But, as he targets a comeback against Leicester on Saturday, he is confident there is one side of his game which sets him apart.

"I don't think any of the midfielders have scored for the last seven or eight games," said O'Connor.

"When I come into the team, I want to be the link man and try to get up to help the two forwards.

"I want to get myself up to 10 goals this year, at least. I'm on six now, so there's four to go. I need to put some performances in and get some goals.

"The gaffer (Ian Baraclough) knows that and knows I want to get in the team.

"I missed my last penalty, against Watford, and Joe (Garner) has come in and scored two good penalties – so I think it's going to be a case of first to the ball if we get another!

"I'm going to make sure I get to the ball first!

"Seriously, if he keeps scoring goals and getting us wins, I don't mind.

"We're not playing well, the lads know we're not playing well and the gaffer knows we're not playing as good as we can do.

"But if you get the three points, it doesn't matter how you get them."

O'Connor returned to full training with United for the first time on Monday, having started to do some running last week.

As much as his unscheduled spell on the sidelines has afforded him time to welcome a new baby boy into the family, he is keen to swap changing nappies for making tackles out on the pitch.

"It's hard when you're injured to get your head round it, but I've done that and worked hard," said the 23-year-old.

"I've been in doing double-sessions for the last seven weeks so I've had some long, long days with the physio. I'm glad to be back.

"I felt behind a bit on my fitness, but with a full week's training I should be back fit enough. I want to be on form for the big game we've got against Leicester.

"Three or four weeks ago I was targeting the Swansea game, so I'm a week out, which isn't too bad.

"I've been more cautious with it because I didn't want to come back too early and then be out for another three or four weeks.

"My girlfriend had a baby boy a few weeks ago so that sort of kept my head off it a bit.

"It's tough being injured. You want to be out there helping the lads.

"But it's in our hands now whether we stay up, so it's a good time to come back."