Aaron Connolly and Derrick Williams both called up to Irish senior squad ahead of crunch Euro qualifiers

Brighton & Hove Albion forward Aaron Connolly and Blackburn Rovers defender Derrick Williams have both been called into Mick McCarthy’s Republic of Ireland squad ahead of next week’s internationals away to Georgia and Switzerland.

Connolly scored twice this lunchtime against Tottenham Hotspur, as Brighton secured a famous three-nil win over their North London counterparts at the Amex Stadium.

The Galwegian has been promoted from Stephen Kenny’s under-21 squad to the senior side, coming into replace the injured Ronan Curtis.

Curtis, the former Derry City star has been ruled out injured with a hamstring injury picked up before Portsmouth’s win over Doncaster United this afternoon.

Also called up to the squad is Blackburn Rovers defender Derrick Williams, who comes into replace his teammates Darragh Lenihan and Greg Cunningham who both picked up injuries this afternoon for Rovers.

“Aaron and Derrick will join up with the squad on Sunday after injuries to Ronan, Greg and Darragh,” McCarthy told FAI.ie

“I have spoken to Aaron and Derrick and they are looking forward to meeting up with us. Aaron enjoyed his full debut for Brighton, and we have been keeping a close eye on his progress this season.

“Derrick was in the extended 41-man squad for these games and playing regularly for Blackburn so this is his chance now.”
 

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