Hull City star Aaron Connolly primed for Ireland return in crunch Paris qualifier against France
The in-form Tigers striker is back in the international fold after a fine start to the new campaign
Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny says Aaron Connolly’s ‘great’ relationship with Hull City head coach Liam Rosenior has played a significant role in the striker returning to the international fold after a two-year hiatus.
Connolly is back at City having arrived on a one-year deal earlier this summer, and has shown glimpses of why Rosenior was so keen to be reunited with him at the MKM Stadium.
The in-form frontman bagged two goals off the bench to help the Tigers to a 2-1 come-from-behind win at Blackburn Rovers, and then started his first league game of the season at Leicester City on Saturday, helping his side beat the promotion favourites 1-0 at the King Power Stadium, form which saw him called up to the senior squad by Kenny.
Connolly is line to feature for the Irish in their crucial Euro 2024 qualifier against France in Paris on Thursday night, and while Kenny says the 24-year-old is not ready to start an international game just yet, he will be a useful option off the bench at the Parc des Princes.
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His chances of being involved across the channel have increased since Kenny spoke, with Brighton and Hove Albion star Evan Ferguson ruled out of the game with France and Sunday’s Dublin showdown with the Netherlands owing to a knee injury.
“He hasn’t started games for Hull because he only signed late in the window,” Kenny said. “It’s unusual to pick someone who isn’t starting.
“Everyone knows it’s not been a straightforward journey for Aaron. I think he showed a good degree of humility and determination in going back and playing for the Under-21 team in the play-offs against Israel.
“He’s found a manager there in Liam Rosenior who he seems to have a great relationship with and is very good for him, and for Ireland,
“The Hull supporters have really taken to Aaron, was at the game last weekend (against Bristol City). His two goals against Blackburn were excellent and he could have a good impact for us.
“He hasn’t been starting for Hull but it’s not realistic for him to start for us but he’s shown his capacity to come on and get goals in the last couple of weeks and that’s why he’s included.”
