Life in the Premier League began in earnest for Aaron Connolly this afternoon after the youngster scored his first league goal for Brighton.
The 19-year-old Galwegian came agonisingly close to scoring his first goal in the league two weeks ago against Newcastle, only for Fabian Schar to acrobatically clear his effort off the line.
But the Irishman was handed another start up front for the Seagulls this afternoon and, with only 45 minutes gone, he has already rewarded the faith of his manager, Graham Potter.
Starting up front alongside Neal Maupay, Connolly has been busy throughout the first half which is sure to have caught the eye of Republic of Ireland manager, Mick McCarthy. However, it was his goal that impressed most of all. The youngster had the wherewithal to get into a dangerous position in the box before getting a deft touch on the end of a low cross. And even though Paulo Gazzaniga blocked his shot, Connolly was alert to tap in the loose ball.
First teenager to start a #PL match for Brighton 🤩
First teenager to score a #PL goal for Brighton 😍 #BHATOT @OfficialBHAFC pic.twitter.com/Dk3fhBcfiT— Premier League (@premierleague) October 5, 2019
Now, his first half performance could heap pressure on McCarthy to hand a call-up to the youngster. Despite a shortage of players with significant game-time up front, Connolly was left out of the senior squad for the qualifiers later this month.
However, speaking earlier this week, under-21 boss Stephen Kenny didn't rule out the possibility of a late call-up for the player.
“I think the possibility exists,” Kenny said. “I think he is the most likely of [our] squad at the moment.
"But at the moment that’s not the case. He’s in the under-21 squad for a double-header.
“I [told] Aaron that when he was with me, he was brilliant. I’d love to have him for the games against Italy and Iceland. But if that’s not the case [and he does get called into the senior squad], I’ll also be delighted for him. It’s natural progression, that’s the way I view it.”
