Irish underage talent Aaron Connolly scored a hat-trick during Brighton and Hove Albion's 3-2 victory over MK Dons in the Checkatrade Trophy last night.
The 18-year-old was playing alongside fellow Irishman and former Bohemians starlet Warren O’Hora. Connolly continued his recent rich vein of form with a fine hat-trick against the League Two side.
Disappointing to go out of the tournament tonight, but what a win from the boys,happy to get a hatrick aswell✅⏳#BHAFC https://t.co/OcLwy6qYsT
— Aaron Connolly (@AaronConnolly_9) November 13, 2018
The Irish teen joined Brighton in the summer of 2016 after a successful childhood as an underage prodigy with Mervue United in Galway. He brought his goal tally to 15 for the season last night but it was not enough to secure progress to the next round as a win for Peterborough United elsewhere saw them progress on goal difference.
Connolly has been linked with a loan move this January with U21 Manager Simon Rusk telling the Argus he is sure there will be plenty of interest.
He is getting some headlines because he’s scored a lot of goals but a lot of the lads are doing well in the group. With that I’m sure comes a little bit of interest from other clubs who would want to take him on loan.
It’s about us as a football club sitting down and weighing up the most suitable thing for Aaron’s next phase after Christmas. That will be a joint decision.
Connolly has already made his senior debut for Chris Hughton's side in the Carabao Cup against Barnet but will be unlikely to get another opportunity until at least January with the FA Cup. Therefore, a loan spell could prove beneficial in his development.
He last played for the Ireland U19s in September and scored during a 2-0 victory at Eamonn Deacy Park.
