Connor was appointed as Mick McCarthy's replacement until the end of the season and began his temporary reign with a creditable 2-2 draw at Newcastle last weekend.

O'Hara revealed he encouraged Connor to step forward as a candidate after the success of other assistants moving up the ladder such as Chris Hughton at Newcastle.

The former Tottenham player, preparing for tomorrow's game at Fulham, said: "To be honest, I think a few lads were thinking it wouldn't be that different to under Mick - but it has been completely different.

"TC (Connor) has got his own ideas, has taken on the role of wanting to be a manager now.

"I don't think he was too sure about it at the start, but once he has taken over the team for a few weeks he has looked the part.

"It has been really different, really good. Training has been amazing and the sharpness has gone to another level.

"But it has also been good that TC was the go-between with the lads and the manager (McCarthy) and he has still got that relationship with the players.

"You can talk to him about things. He is still trying to keep it where he doesn't want to be called boss."

O'Hara believes Connor has the potential to do the job on a permanent basis.

He said: "If TC keeps Wolves up, taking over when we were second from bottom, then you are entitled to the job.

"But it's not just about results for a manager, it's the way players respect him and the way the club is run.

"TC has got a big learning curve and will take time, but the way he has been the last three weeks shows he has got the potential to be a good manager."

O'Hara admits he encouraged Connor to put himself available for the managerial role as Wolves endured a fruitless fortnight in their search for McCarthy's successor.

He said: "When the manager got the sack, I was saying to TC 'you are no different to Chris Hughton.' He is the same sort of character and I said 'why not give it a go'.

"I worked with Chris Hughton a lot at Tottenham and he was assistant for 10 years and, when he became a manager, people were questioning it and asking if he has got that authority.

"He has turned into one of the best up-and-coming managers in the league. He has done a fantastic job at Birmingham and did well at Newcastle.

"It was the same with Josep Guardiola at Barcelona. He stepped up from being a player and then coach and look at the success they have enjoyed and the team that has been created."