Arthur Okonkwo: Wrexham FA Cup hero's turnaround, with 'good days to come'

After Arthur Okonkwo's calamitous error handed Swansea City a last-gasp victory over Wrexham before Christmas, the north Wales side sat seven points and nine places adrift of the Championship's play-off places.

Just 21 days later, the Red Dragons had won four successive second-tier matches for the first time in the club's history in addition to knocking Nottingham Forest out of the FA Cup.

It represents a remarkable turnaround for both Wrexham and goalkeeper Okonkwo - the man who saved spot-kicks from Igor Jesus and Omari Hutchinson as Phil Parkinson's side won 4-3 in the shootout after a 3-3 draw with Premier League Forest following extra time.

"Mistakes are normal in football, it's all about how you react all the time," Okonkwo told BBC Sport Wales.

"It won't be my first and won't be my last probably. It's all about looking on to the next one and I'm just happy I could make the difference again."

Former Wrexham midfielder Waynne Phillips could not hide his delight for the 24-year-old goalkeeper after the Forest game on Saturday.

"I'm so happy for Arthur Okonkwo," Phillips told BBC Radio Cymru.

"It was only a few weeks ago people were on his back for his mistake at Swansea which led to Wrexham losing in injury time.

"But he's more than made up for that with his saves tonight."

Manager Parkinson revealed Wrexham practised taking penalties on the eve of their fixture with Forest, before hailing Okonkwo as his team's "hero" of the hour.

In addition to his shootout heroics, the ex-Arsenal goalkeeper made seven saves as Wrexham went on to beat top-flight opposition for the first time since 1999.

The key to Okonkwo's personal success was preparation on the morning of the contest.

"I did loads of research," said the former England Under-18 stopper.

"I was watching back over their clips, knowing that the game could go to penalties.

"It was really important to have a look and I have to say thank you to the analysis team who helped with giving me ideas on which way to go with the penalties, and I was just happy to make the saves."

While the excitement for a third appearance in the fourth round of the FA Cup in just five years under Parkinson remains at fever pitch, Wrexham's immediate focus will return to the league - where they sit just one point and three spots behind the top six.

They welcome strugglers Norwich City to north Wales on Saturday before hosting Leicester City at the Stok Cae Ras three days later.

Having already secured three successive promotions under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac, pundit Phillips feels there are even more great days to come for the club.

"Wrexham have sent a message by winning their past four games in the Championship. Teams will fear Wrexham in the fourth round," added the former midfielder who played in the club's famous 1992 FA Cup win over Arsenal.

"The Championship is their bread and butter - and people were hoping they'd be able to compete in the top half at the start of the season - but now teams above them will be looking over their shoulders.

"They're in a very good place heading into the final few months of the season. There are some good days to come here at the Stok Cae Ras."

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