'Two sides to the sword' as Aaron Connolly arises at Venezia

Back in May, former Ireland striker David Connolly spoke of his view that near namesake Aaron Connolly is already at a crossroads in his fledgling career.

The 22-year-old Galwegian was coming off the back of a half-season loan at Middlesbrough in the Championship that ultimately proved frustrating - injury niggles having an impact - and his status at parent club Brighton has become uncertain.

The question mark was where the eight-time Ireland cap would end up for this season and possibly beyond.

But last week that was answered when Serie B club Venezia made the surprise announcement that the forward will be calling Italy home for the 2022-23 campaign.

The loan move means Connolly becomes the sixth Irish player to sign for an Italian club over the last 18 months and there will be intrigue to see if he can reignite the fire that sparked a famous brace against Tottenham in 2019 during his time at a club relegated from Serie A at the end of last season.

Former Ireland, Blackburn and Burnley midfielder Keith Treacy shared his view on the unexpected move on this week's RTÉ Soccer Podcast.

"I see two sides to this sword. Going away and getting away from England is great because I played in England and it's very intense.

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Keith Treacy and Conan Byrne joined Raf Diallo and Rob Wright this week to talk Ireland players on the move, European games for Shamrock Rovers, Sligo Rovers and St Pat's and the Women's Euro 2022 knockout stage.

"I am speaking from the outside here but it just seems to me that