Brighton U23 striker Aaron Connolly signs new contract
Thursday 14 January 2021 01:22, UK
Brighton U23 striker Aaron Connolly has signed a new contract with the club until June 2022.
Connolly, who has scored 17 times in all competitions this season, has represented the Republic of Ireland at U19 level and has now been rewarded for his prolific goal-scoring form.
"I'm delighted because it's something I've been wanting to do for a while - I'm glad to get it done," he told the club's website.
"It's now about getting fit again and pushing on towards the first team over the next few seasons.
"The length of the deal shows the trust that the club has in me and that means a lot, it shows they have faith in me at the age of 19 - I want to stay here for as long as I can and make the first team, playing in front of the fans every week."
Connolly's performances this season saw him win the Premier League 2 Division 1 'Player of the Month' award in November. Although he is yet to play for the first team, the striker has previously been included in Chris Hughton's travelling squad and is determined for that to continue.
"It's been a good start to this season and I'd say the opening six months is the best spell I've enjoyed since I've been at the football club," he added.
"It carried on from last year since we got promoted, and in all honesty, I probably didn't expect to be in this position now when I came back from the summer.
"I've had the taste of being around the first team squad this year, whilst still featuring for the U23s, and it's something I want more of."
