A shortage of players gave young defender Owen Cochrane his chance to shine in December 2021; making his debut at Salford City. It was a remarkable rise for the lad; coming from the youth team as a first-year scholar to starting at right back in the League Two fixture. His progress continued apace over the coming months, if not in the first team. The net result was that Cochrane secured his first professional deal in summer 2023. It was a big vote of confidence in him and his future potential.