Trossard has to face facts

GRAHAM POTTER wants Leandro Trossard to build on the self-belief that helped him stand out for Belgium on international duty.

And the Brighton boss has urged forward Aaron Connolly to stop being so self-critical and realise the strides he has taken in his young career.

While Potter joked about Trossard (below) not having “the happiest” face, he was serious about Republic of Ireland striker Connolly, 21, needing to see the good in his own development.

Trossard, 26, scored twice against Belarus in midweek and Potter has urged him to find consistency if he is to reach the next level.

He said: “The more he assists and the more he scores, the more he will believe in himself.

“Leandro has got that type of face, bless him.

“He’s not the happiest in his facial expressions. He’s got a dry sense of humour and you’ll see a cheeky smile and a cheeky grin but he’s a serious guy as well.

“He wants to get into the No.1 team in the world internationally and he knows that he needs to improve his goals and assists to take his career to the next level.”

Connolly is at a different stage but Potter said: “He’s very self-critical. Sometimes a bit too much.

“I think he’s frustrated with where he’s at at the moment because he’s had one or two issues off the field, a few injuries, his form maybe isn’t where he would like it to be. So you can tend to focus on the negatives.

“It’s important to recognise the things he can improve, to acknowledge the things he is doing well.”