Omari Patrick has shown “a bit of magic” ahead of his Brunton Park return, one of his Tranmere Rovers team-mates has said.

Former Blues favourite Patrick will be in the opposition side this weekend when Tranmere take on Carlisle United.

It will be the attacker’s first game back at Brunton Park since he left the club following 2023’s promotion, when Patrick memorably scored Carlisle’s equaliser in the League Two play-off final against Stockport County at Wembley.

Patrick turned down the chance to stay at Carlisle and moved on to Sutton United, then leaving the south London club at the end of last season.

He went on to join Tranmere after a trial in pre-season and has made a bright start for the Wirral club, with two goals this season so far.

Rovers defender Lee O’Connor has said he is glad now to be playing on the same side as the 28-year-old, rather than against him.

“Omari’s been very good,” O’Connor told the BBC.

“He’s got that bit of magic.

“I remember a few years ago he was playing for Carlisle, and I used to hate playing against him.

“He’s always running at you, always got that pace, he’s a nightmare for defenders and it’s good that he’s on our side.”

Patrick scored the winner in Tranmere’s previous league game, against Walsall, while his fellow ex-Blues forward, Kristian Dennis, is also in the Rovers ranks.

Tranmere's Lee O'Connor, right, in action during their 4-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Leicester CityTranmere's Lee O'Connor, right, in action during their 4-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Leicester City (Image: PA)

O’Connor, meanwhile, said Carlisle at Brunton Park are not a side to be underestimated in a highly competitive division.

“There are so many teams that could potentially up there at the end of the season, and Carlisle could very well be one of them,” added the Irish player.

“It’s a very tough place to go. From the top of my head I’ve not got many results up there so hopefully we can change that this weekend.”