JAMES JENNINGS has spoken off his relief after seeing younger brother Connor make a miraculous recovery from serious illness before helping Tranmere Rovers clinch promotion back to the Football League.

Connor was rushed into hospital following a suspected meningitis scare and he missed Tranmere’s play-off semi-final victory over Ebbsfleet United.

Although he was given little chance of being available for the final, former Wrexham captain Connor was given a clean bill of health and was named among the substitutes against Boreham Wood at Wembley.

Introduced in the first half because of injury, Connor went on to set up James Norwood for the extra-time winner as Tranmere triumphed 2-1 to clinch promotion and a place in the League following a three year absence.

But Reds defender James says just being able to be part of Tranmere’s big day was an achievement following fears for Connor’s life.

“We were really worried about him at one point,” said Jennings. “When something is up with Connor it is usually serious.

“We got him to hospital quickly, they saw him quickly and he had all the scans.

“He had a bit of swelling on the brain initially, it was a severe viral infection but they got to it really quick.

“He was on a drip, had all the tests and was in hospital for five days but thankfully he recovered pretty quickly.

“I am just glad he is okay and he got to enjoy Saturday.”

Tranmere boss Micky Mellon turned to Connor in the 34th minute and it was a masterstroke and he helped his side sink Boreham Wood.

“They gave Connor the all clear and he had a few days recovering at home,” said Jennings.

“He missed the semi-final but he wanted to get back in training.

“They were not too keen for him to play in the final at first because of health and safety, and the risk, but he came through training and he was on the bench.

“Micky Mellon said he would play a part but we did not expect him to come on that early!”

James and other members of the family were at Wembley to see Connor, beaten on both of his two previous visits to the stadium, emerge victorious.

“We went down to support him,” said Jennings, who missed out on the play-offs following Wrexham’s poor run-in.

“We weren’t going to go to the game but when we were told he were told he was going to be on the bench we decided to.

“It was third time lucky for Connor at Wembley, fourth time lucky for both us there, and I am happy for him.

“On the other side it is frustrating knowing we could have been part of that,” said Jennings.

“Seeing your rivals go up is frustrating but you use that for next season.”

Former Wales international Sam Ricketts has been appointed the new Wrexham boss.

It is Ricketts’ first managerial position and Jennings is looking forward to working with the 36-year-old.

“I have spoken to one or two lads who have spoken to him and all I have heard is good stuff,” added Jennings.

“He seems a good guy, he knows what he wants and knows what needs adding.

“It was a surprise appointment at first but it seems to suit us. It is exciting and hopefully it works.

“He was a full-back, you don’t get many full-backs who are managers so I am looking forward to working with him and seeing what ideas he has got. Hopefully we have a better season.”