Aaron expresses himself

There were flicks aplenty from the lively attacker who caused The Duchy Men plenty of problems in Luton’s 2-0 defeat.

The 27-year-old former Rushden & Diamonds man, said: “It was good to be in there. One of the biggest teams in Italian football over the last 20 to 30 years and they always seem to do well in Serie A and European competitions and attract good players and have good players there.

“You go into these games and you have nothing to lose – you are expected to lose. You can go out there and express yourselves and that’s what we did.

“I try not to let the occasion get to you, no disrespect to other teams we’ve played this pre-season,

“Consistency, you try and do things like you would do against any other team against Parma. I’ve never been afraid to express myself. I don’t mind trying – and if it doesn’t come off try and win the ball back.”

And he thinks the Hatters acquitted themselves well, saying: “One of the things we said before we went out was make sure they have to open us up and play good football.

“It was disappointing to concede the goal but overall first half I thought we played really well and it was disappointing to go one down but we need to take the positives. I think second half it (Parma’s quality) showed a bit more.

“First half we took the game to them and we could easily have gone 1-0 up and it might have been a different game. I don’t think they expected us to play like we did and we played some good stuff at times.

“What was evident to us playing-wise, it feels like you have time on the ball when you didn’t. As soon as you had a touch they were on you right away.

“They are so quick and strong. There is nothing that you can do. I think everyone did well.

“I think if the manager had any doubts or queries about players in his mind they haven’t done themselves any harm against world class players.

“I don’t think he knows his starting XI yet. I hope he is not far off because the season is almost upon us.”

O’Connor played both at the centre of a three-pronged attack, where he excelled, and wide, and he hopes his performance will help to cement himself in Gary Brabin’s plans for the forthcoming season.

He added: “I’m happy I’m playing in a few different positions as well. It’s good to show I’m adaptable. I would rather play (in any position) than not play.

“You are not going out there just to play in the game but to get the shirt for the season.

“To play well against a team like Parma will stay in the gaffer’s head.

“I feel I’m getting strong and getting sharper as the games and training go on.”