REPUBLIC OF Ireland boss Stephen Kenny has today given his thoughts about Brigthon's Aaron Connolly's lack of game time at the club.
Connolly has not hit the ground running at Brighton and this includes the Irish team, but Kenny has backed Connolly to silence his critics
The forward almost got a loan this season, but it did not come to fruition.
Dublin , Ireland - 11 October 2021; Aaron Connolly during a Republic of Ireland training session at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown, Dublin. (Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)Stephen Kenny on Aaron Connolly.
“He’s a talented young player who hasn’t played that hard at Premier League level to get football,” Kenny said. “He nearly got a potential loan move at the start of the season, but it didn't materialise.
“Brighton wanted to hold onto him so hopefully he gets to play more football now but it’s hard. Brighton are going well, just playing with one striker in the system they have and at the weekend [against Liverpool] they went without a striker really.
“They played Trossard who is a traditional number ten or wide player as their highest attacking player. So it’s not easy for young players in the Premier League trying to get an opportunity, it’s not easy.
“It’s tough to get game time and that can affect your sharpness and so forth. There’s no doubt he’s a very talented player and will come good over time.”
Connolly may not be a mainstay for Brighton or the national team yet, but Kenny is positive about his squad ahead of naming his squad for Ireland’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers on Thursday.
Jamie McGrath, Caoimhin Kelleher, Jason Knight, Troy Parrott and Matt Doherty are all meant to be available for selection ahead of his squad announcement this week.
Ireland play Portugal on Tuesday November the 11th.
