Wrexham AFC: Bolton Wanderers evidence shows Phil Parkinson got summer transfer priority right - View | OneFootball

Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo put in an impressive performance as the Red Dragons picked up a point at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.

Phil Parkinson was full of praise for Wrexham AFC's battling spirit after seeing his side draw 0-0 with Bolton Wanderers at The Toughsheet Community Stadium on Sunday.

The Red Dragons are currently enjoying life back in League One after an absence of almost 20 years and kicked off their campaign with a 3-2 home victory over Wycombe Wanderers.

Their latest fixture away against the promotion-chasing Trotters was seen as a more challenging prospect after Ian Evatt's team narrowly missed out on reaching the Championship via the play-offs last term.

However, it was a test Wrexham came out of with credit after digging in to earn a hard-fought point despite Bolton coming closest to breaking the deadlock.

Speaking to The Leader newspaper after the match, Parkinson said: "There was a real resilience about us as a team, and we can take a lot of heart from a draw."

Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo was named as man of the match by Sky Sports after making a couple of crucial saves.

The former Arsenal man's performance highlighted why Parkinson was right to make signing the 22-year-old his number-one priority this summer.

Perseverance pays off for Parkinson in Okonkwo pursuit

Okonkwo initially joined Wrexham on a season-long loan from Arsenal last September and played a key role in helping the club gain promotion from the fourth tier at the first time of asking.

The young stopper kept 14 clean sheets in the league, putting him joint-third in the League Two table in terms of shut-outs, as per FootyStats.

As per BBC Sport Wales, Parkinson made it clear from as early as May that the Red Dragons would do "everything they can" to try and secure his services on a permanent basis during the summer.

The door for Okonkwo's return was left open when the Gunners confirmed he would be leaving the Emirates following the expiration of his contract.

Wrexham faced stiff competition for his signature, with both Premier League and Championship sides reportedly interested in him.

However, Parkinson persevered, and Okonkwo became the club's first summer signing on June 22.

Okonkwo could be key figure as Wrexham look to challenge

There are mixed views over where Wrexham will finish in League One this season.

One senior club figure indicated they would be content with a mid-table berth this term after achieving back-to-back promotions during the previous two campaigns.

Speaking to The Independent in April, executive director Humphrey Ker noted: "It wouldn't actually be that good for the club as a whole if we did go all the way through this year because we'd just be going so quickly.

"I think something nice and comfortable – upper mid-table, please! Tenth. I'd be very happy with that."

Birmingham City, Huddersfield, and Bolton.

However, Parkinson told The Leader he only has eyes for the top of the table as he seeks an unprecedented third promotion in a row.

If Wrexham are to achieve such an impressive feat, then Okonkwo could be a key figure for them again this season.

The young keeper provided an assured presence at the back against Bolton in a game in which his goal came under pressure on several occasions.

Okonkwo was integral in achieving a shut-out as he first denied Aaron Collins after 13 minutes.

His most important save came shortly after the restart as he turned away a Dion Charles effort which looked destined to nestle in the top-right corner of his goal.

The 22-year-old's early displays this term appear to show Parkinson was justified in focusing on bringing him to the Racecourse permanently this summer.

The manager will therefore be hoping Okonkwo can continue to replicate performances like the one at The Toughsheet Community Stadium to boost Wrexham's promotion chances.

His age also means he's a player who can grow with a club that holds lofty ambitions of reaching the Premier League under the ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

He looks a player with a bright future but Sunday's game showed the vital impact he's having already. As the week's go by, Parkinson's call to have the keeper top of his list of transfer priorities looks smarter and smarter.