Injury concern for Aaron Connolly ahead of Ireland games

Aaron Connolly has emerged as an injury doubt for the Republic of Ireland ahead of next Thursday's friendly against New Zealand.

Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy will have to await the result of a scan to confirm the player’s availability after Connolly picked up a groin injury during Brighton’s game against Manchester United on Saturday.

The striker was substituted at half-time in the 3-1 defeat at Manchester United.

“Aaron will have a scan on Monday morning,” said McCarthy on Sunday evening.

“Our medical team have been in contact with Brighton and when we have the results on Monday, we will know more.”

Connolly made his international debut in the scoreless qualifier in Georgia in October, and will be hoping that he can recover so he can at least play a part in the crucial EURO 2020 home qualifier against Denmark that follows the New Zealand friendly.