Aaron Connolly issues frank message about his time at Middlesbrough so far

The Irish forward scored in Boro’s 4-1 hammering of Derby County last weekend.

That was his first goal for the club since arriving on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion in January.

It was his first league goal of the season, having been unable to get consistent minutes with Graham Potter’s side in the Premier League this campaign. 

Connolly is hoping to now kickstart his season since he has gotten off the mark at his new club. 

He admitted he had concerns about his slow start, but that Chris Wilder has assured him that this is just the beginning for him. 

“I’d text the gaffer a couple of times after my first few games saying I’d had a slow start,” said Connolly, via the Irish Examiner. 

“That was obvious and I’m not going to shy away from that fact.

“So when I came off, he just said, ‘listen, I don’t want to hear you say that again’.

“I feel like I’ve found my feet now, I know how to play with all of the players and what they like and don’t like, and they’re starting to learn the same about me.” 

That victory helped Middlesbrough leapfrog Nottingham Forest in the table to move into the play-off places. 

Connolly’s goal gave Boro the lead, following a 39th minute equaliser from Max Bird tied the game at 1-1. 

Next up for Wilder’s side is a trip to Bristol City on February 19. 

This is encouraging for Connolly, who really needs to start adding goals to his game. 

Connolly has fallen down the pecking order at Brighton, so will need to impress with Middlesbrough to get back near Potter’s side.

If he can start bagging more goals, then he will surely be back on the Brighton manager’s radar. 

Wilder is doing a good job to keep Connolly motivated, and this is surely just the beginning of a good run of form for him in the team now.