Connolly keen to prove he doesn't take playing for Ireland for granted

Aaron Connolly says he is determined to help the Republic of Ireland Under-21s make history and prove he has the hunger to produce the goods in a green jersey.

It's been a turbulent few years for the Galway man, who is currently on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion at Serie B outfit Venezia.

Connolly, 22, said it was "a fresh start" after making the switch in July - having burst on to the scene with a brilliant brace for Brighton against Tottenham in October 2019, his star has fallen.

Injuries, a loss of form and a patchy loan spell at Middlesbrough have seen Connolly drop out of the last few Ireland senior squads, but a call-up for the huge UEFA Under-21 European Championship play-off first leg against Israel on Friday is a chance for Connolly to remind people what he is capable of.

"It's a big honour," the attacker told FAI TV.

"I actually spoke to John Morling first [the FAI's senior football consultant]. John was the one who brought me over to Brighton when he was the academy manager there.

"When he mentioned how big the game was I couldn't wait to get involved. It's just to show people I'm not taking playing for Ireland for granted.

"Maybe some people have had that perception over the last few years. It's a chance to help the Under-21s qualify for their first ever [major] tournament and to show people what I can do.

"Yeah I've made some mistakes, or so-called mistakes, over the last certain amount of years."

"I was a bit surprised I was still eligible to be honest with you. A lot of people have certain things to say about my career so far but I think they kind of forget I am still eligible to play Under-21 football.

"Yeah I've made some mistakes, or so-called mistakes, over the last certain amount of years. It's a chance to