David Connolly: 'Aaron has a bit of work to do'

Former Republic of Ireland striker David Connolly says Aaron Connolly must park his ego and accept he has to prove himself in the Championship, or lower, to kickstart his stuttering club and international career.

Aaron Connolly was omitted from Stephen Kenny's latest Ireland squad last week, with the manager referencing a heel problem that has hampered the Galway man for the last few months.

It is, however, another setback in what's been a frustrating year for the 22-year-old. He exploded onto the scene with a brilliant brace for Brighton against Spurs in the autumn of 2019 but injuries and a loss of form have curtailed his progress.

Connolly went to Middlesbrough on loan last January and failed to make the sort of impact club and player would have hoped for, and David Connolly - who scored nine times for Ireland in 41 games - believes he's at a major crossroads.

"(Boro boss) Chris Wilder would always, always want four strikers," he told the RTÉ Soccer Podcast.

"I think Aaron would have known he was going to get opportunities but it was up to him to take them. I've been at the Amex, I've sat behind Aaron when he's been on that bench, and he doesn't seem the most enthusiastic to go and get warmed up to come on.

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"I've looked at him closely. He wasn't happy he wasn't playing at Brighton. He's gone to Middlesbrough. He wasn't playing, he wasn't starting.

"Graham Potter is a top, top manager. (Blackpool winger) CJ Hamilton is playing under Neil Critchley, a terrific manager. Some of the Irish