Connolly joins emerging Tribesmen in English game

AARON CONNOLLY has his sights set on developing into the latest component of the Galway football revolution.

Following the emergence in recent years of Greg Cunningham, Ryan Manning and Daryl Horgan, the Ireland U-17 striker is determined to have a fruitful career with his club Brighton and his country.

“It’s a great time for Galway football at present,” said Connolly, Ireland’s top scorer within the age-group which is competing at the European Championships in Croatia.

“I’ve had a good first season at Brighton, the buzz around the place is great after getting promotion, and I’m aiming to push on towards the first-team next season. If not, then there might be a loan move.”

The former Mervue attacker illustrated his threat by making a big impact for Ireland in Thursday’s opening finals contest against Serbia.

He was denied a cast-iron penalty when bundled over in the box just minutes after being introduced at the break and his low drive later hit the post. “I was gutted with the Serbia defeat because we deserved three points and some refereeing decisions went against us,” he admitted.

Only victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina tomorrow will suffice if Ireland are to set up a qualification decider against Germany on Wednesday.