Notts County boss Luke Williams has highlighted the contribution midfielder Jim O'Brien continues to make to the team despite being sidelined through injury.
The 35-year-old was ruled out for up to six weeks after picking up an injury in the Magpies' 1-0 win over Wrexham at the beginning of the month after making a brilliant start to the National League campaign.
It was a bitter blow for the Notts boss after resting the Scotsman in their previous fixture against Altrincham, with O'Brien on four cautions for the season and seen as an integral part of the side.
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And while not being able to have that influence on the pitch, O'Brien continues to be involved on match days, even taking the substitutes' warm-down following the win against Maidstone on Friday evening.
With the midfielder expected to be back in the first-team fold in the next three weeks, Williams explained that O'Brien has almost become an extra coach alongside assistant Ryan Harley, highlighting his experience and insight as a key asset when planning for match days.
"Yeah, his rehab is all going well, he worked very hard today," said Williams. "What people might not realise is that Jim is very much involved on a matchday, and with his experience he is almost giving us like an extra coach when he is not having to focus on preparing for the game.
"He is there watching, and he is giving us some really good information and including at half-time during the Maidstone game. He has been fantastic in terms of fully committing to his rehab, I have been very impressed with that, but has also given us another dimension as well on a matchday and I am really grateful for that."
In the absence of the 35-year-old, Geraldo Bajrami has deputised brilliantly in his position, producing another dominant display against Maidstone which Williams highlighted alongside his midfield partner, Matty Palmer.
And the Notts boss was also quick to highlight the other midfielders he has in reserve at the club, with Sam Austin unable to break into the Magpies starting line-up following his two goals against Coalville Town, while West Brom loanee Quevin Castro failed to make the matchday squad on Friday evening.
"Jim's performances leading up to the injury that he picked up were immaculate, and when you look at Ed Francis and the way he can distribute the ball, we are really fortunate to have those guys in the building," said Williams.
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