Megan Connolly invigorated by captaincy & eyeing new heights

Megan Connolly is still only 26 years old, but the versatile Corkwoman believes the captaincy at Bristol City - and an influx of Irish youth - has nudged her into the next phase of her career.

Connolly moved to the Robins in the summer after four years at Brighton and Hove Albion.

She was immediately given the armband by boss Lauren Smith who trusted Connolly to provide crucial experience as the newly team promoted team prepared for life in the Women's Super League.

That faith has been rewarded by a string of fine displays. Bristol may be bottom of the table, but Connolly has flourished, picking up the player of the match award in Sunday's 2-0 loss at Manchester United and generally growing into a role she admits she was nervous about taking on.

"I'm loving it," she said ahead of the Republic of Ireland's UEFA Nations League double-header with Hungary and Northern Ireland.

"I'm loving the place, the team is great, management is great, the club is great, so for me personally I’m enjoying it. As a team coming into the WSL this year it’s a massive challenge but it’s a long season and I believe that we’ll stay up. I believe we’ll get more wins, get more results.

"I fit in quite quickly, which I was kind of nervous about because being at one club for so long, a new start is hard. But everyone has been amazing. It's made it easier when you feel settled so quickly, to be able to just focus on the football, focus on being able to influence the team, develop yourself. It's a great group."

Connolly was speaking at Ireland's Castleknock Hotel base, where Peamount United teenagers Elllen Dolan and Freya Healy arrived on Monday to link up with the seniors for the first time.

Interim boss Eileen Gleeson has been keen to flush youth into the