Jim Crawford: 'Connolly is in a happy place'

Aaron Connolly was the surprise inclusion in Jim Crawford's Republic of Ireland under-21 squad announced on Thursday as he returns to the fold for the first time since playing in a 3-1 victory over Sweden in October 2019.

That was then under current senior boss Stephen Kenny, now under the tutelage of Crawford, Connolly has the chance to reinvigorate his international career.

Connolly has swapped Brighton beach for the Campanile di San Marco in Venice as he aims to kickstart a career that has deteriorated over the last 12 months.

"I've seen Aaron's games. A couple of games he came off he looked sharp. The game at the weekend against SPAL was a difficult game for him and there wasn't too much football played.

"For someone like Aaron you need to get the ball to his feet or he can come and show for the ball but he is looking for one in behind so there was a lot of miscommunication with regard to midfielders and what have you giving the ball away.

"I could see Aaron was a little bit frustrated."

Currently, the Galwegian is plying his trade in Italy's second tier for Venezia, as is fellow Connacht man and under-21 international Liam Kerrigan, who is at Como. Connolly is delighted to be in Italy according to Crawford.

"One thing about him is that he is delighted at the club. He gets on really well with the manager and they train exceptionally hard. He has said that he has never been as fit before in his life.

"They do numerous double sessions, it's the Italian way, but he is happy with it. Going over there was a big decision for him but he needed to get away from the distractions and what have you.

"He is in a happy place now and a happy footballer is a good footballer. We have him in a nice place coming into the U21s now."

His most