Leeds United were beaten 3-1 by Preston North End at Deepdale last night.
O’Connor was selected to start his second game in succession last night, as Leeds slipped to a 3-1 defeat to Preston North End.
The Whites’ display, particularly in the second half, at Deepdale was a major disappointment.
But Heckingbottom felt that O’Connor’s showing was one of the few positives to take from the contest.
He said: “I was really pleased with Paudie first half. He did okay in the first game and he was very aggressive and did very well today. He’ll be disappointed with the third goal, because it was his man, but that’s the type you want – those who take responsibility.”
O’Connor could yet remain in Leeds’ starting line-up for the remainder of the season, with their injury problems mounting.
Pontus Jansson was taken off during Leeds’ defeat yesterday, with Hugo Diaz and O’Connor having to form a youthful centre-back pairing in the closing stages.
Leeds’ defeat to Preston has seen supporters turn on Heckingbottom, with the pressure now really on the Whites boss to start turning things around.
Leeds have slipped from the outskirts of the play offs right the way down to 14th place in the Championship table since Heckingbottom took charge.
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