It hasn’t been a bad week for Aaron Connolly.
The former Mervue United striker signed for Brighton and Hove Albion in July but, in the space of three days, he has the Seagulls fans all feeling very, very giddy.
Connolly’s just 16 – his 17th birthday isn’t until the end of January – and his exploits in the FA Youth Cup, followed by his debut for the club’s under-23s show that he is a precocious talent beyond all his years.
A man who never even saw the light of the 20th century, the Republic of Ireland underage sensation is threatening to make the 21st century his own and it couldn’t be coming at a better time – what, with the Irish forward production seemingly grinding to a halt.
The last striker line-up that Martin O’Neill brought to Austria makes for grim reading.
Shane Long, who turns 30 in a few days, was injured for that qualifier and James McClean was chosen to play up front instead.
But there are men on the way. Men like Aaron Connolly.
In the FA Youth Cup on Friday, Connolly guided Brighton to a 2-0 win over Cambridge to help the under-18s reach the fifth round.
‘The Seagulls took the lead on 72 minutes when substitute Cashman played a short pass inside for Connolly, and the striker curled a wonderful effort beyond Iron into the far corner,’ the Albion report read.
That was Friday.
By Monday, he was fast-tracked into the club’s under-23 squad for the first time. The outcome was similar.
Two goals later and another 90 minutes later, the Irishman has very much caught the eye of fans of one of the best sides in the Championship.
“The Seagulls took the lead after just seven minutes when Connolly latched onto Tom Dallison’s lofted pass forward, and the young striker dispatched into the bottom corner with ease,” the under-23 report read.
He scored the first. He forced the second.
“On 57 minutes, Albion doubled their lead when Dylan Barnett’s cross from the right wing was diverted into his own net by Rice, following pressure from Connolly inside the penalty area.”
And he scored the third.
“Jordan Davies had an immediate impact after coming on to make his debut for the club, as he set the ball back for Connolly, and the striker bent his effort into the far corner to secure his brace, and Albion’s third, on 74 minutes. “
This kid’s got a bright future. And don’t the Brighton fans just know it.
Sounds like @AaronConnolly_9 absolutely smashed it tonight, great work #BHAFC
— Greave (@Greave17) January 16, 2017
Watch this space.
DREAM. @AaronConnolly_9 has scored 4 in his last 5 including ⚽️⚽️on his #BHAFC U23 debut. 6 in 15 in 16/17 (all comps) for the 16 yr old.🔥👏 pic.twitter.com/PJcBiQ68vL
— playmakerstats (@playmaker_EN) January 16, 2017
He’s young, but by God he has started well. He’s started very, very well.
