AFC TOTTON have bid a fond farewell to American midfielder Kyle O’Brien – at least for the time being.

After featuring as a second-half substitute in the Stags’ remarkable 5-3 midweek victory over Didcot Town, the 24-year-old Californian flew back to the United States on Wednesday.

O’Brien has been a popular figure at the Testwood Stadium since being introduced to the club by fellow midfielder Liam Gilbert during the summer, the pair having met while Gilbert was at college in the States.

He has made 26 Stags appearances, scoring four goals, and manager Steve Riley hopes the Southern One South & West club have not seen the last of him.

“Kyle’s had to go to America to sort out his visa, work permit etc, but, hopefully, we’ll get him back,” said the boss. “We knew Kyle was going and that’s why he’s been on the bench for the last couple of games.”

If Tuesday should transpire to be O’Brien’s last appearance in Totton blue, it was a hell of a way to bow out.

From trailing 3-1 at the break, the Stags dramatically turned the game around through Stuart Mott, a Zac Mouland brace and Craig Feeney’s second goal of the game.

It was third-placed Didcot’s first league defeat since August, bringing the curtain down on a 17-game unbeaten league run for the stunned Oxfordshire visitors.

Riley, who tomorrow welcomes his old club Bashley to the Testwood Stadium, was blown away by the Stags’ sparkling second-half showing.

“When we play like that we’re a force to be reckoned with,” said the boss.

“Everyone was solid, our fitness levels were good and signing Mike Gosney (on loan from Gosport) has brought quality to the side.

“Didcot did well in the first half to stop our threat, but they couldn’t do anything about ita in the second half.

“Bashley are on a good run and we’ve got to make sure we play like we did in the second half on Tuesday.” Bash remain in trouble in 21st spot but, under the guidance of new boss Paul Morris, battled out two good festive derby draws against Wimborne and Sholing to move off the bottom.

The Foresters have this week strengthened their defensive ranks with Whitchurch United’s powerful centre-back and skipper Adam Pearson, who is expected to feature tomorrow.