It's fair to say Aaron Connolly wasn't losing the run of himself after a decent Republic of Ireland senior debut. He may have only gotten 15 minutes but the Galwayman had a couple of half chances that could have won the game.
However, no one was holding it against him, except for Connolly himself. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said:
As a striker in a situation like that you have to score. It's bit gutting that I haven't put it in the back of the net...
I got two chances, I probably should have put at least one of them away.
"As a striker in a situation like that you have to score. We go on to Tuesday now, we've got a point so it's alright."
Aaron Connolly says he was disappointed not to score but Ireland need to move on and be ready for Tuesday.
Follow the reaction online on Sky Sports Football. pic.twitter.com/2sYneoSIGI— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) October 12, 2019
On RTÉ he was even more critical of himself, dismissing Tony O'Donoghue referencing the bobbling ball for his second chance, say it was something that can't be used an excuse.
'It's definitely the proudest moment I've had' - Aaron Connolly says he probably should have scored after making his debut against Georgia in Tbilisi #GEOIRE pic.twitter.com/dzj38k77N2
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) October 12, 2019
Connolly certainly did enough to put himself in the mind of McCarthy for a start on Tuesday against Switzerland. He told O'Donoghue:
It's a massive game and it's an honour to even be considered to be involved in it. It's something I've dreamed of as a kid [playing for Ireland] and that's come true tonight.
If I do get the start on Tuesday it will be an even bigger honour.
Back in studio Kevin Doyle spoke for pretty much everyone, pointing out that Connolly was being too hard on himself: "He came on and made an impact, that's all he can do. He's should be proud."
