O'Connor reveals Prem interest

Garry O'Connor says Aston Villa and Wigan Athletic showed interest in January.

Garry O'Connor admits he could stay with Lokomotiv Moscow in the long term after revealing Aston Villa and Wigan Athletic showed interest in January.

The Scotland international had been keen to leave Lokomotiv last month due to his family being unable to settle in Russia, but no solution was found.

With the club now prepared to improve his off-field conditions, O'Connor concedes he could fulfil his contract.

"I had talks with the club manager Sergei Lipatov and the new president (Yuri) Semin," O'Connor told Sport Express.

"They immediately let me know that they wanted me to stay at the club and are prepared to improve the living conditions for me and my wife Lisa.

"If everything turns out okay, I will see out my contract with Lokomotiv with pleasure.

"I have said on more than one occasion that I personally have no problem here."

There was a wealth of interest in the former Hibernian striker during January's transfer window, with two Premiership clubs among his suitors.

O'Connor added: "All negotiations with the Loko leadership and potential buyers were conducted by my agent Gary Mackay, so therefore I don't know all the details.

"I only heard that Wigan, Aston Villa, Norwich, Birmingham and West Brom were interested in my services.

"It's true that the last three options I would have turned down since these clubs do not play in the Premier League."