Ireland international Aaron Connolly completes Middlesbrough loan move

Aaron Connolly of Ireland during the World Cup Qualifier match between the Republic of Ireland and Azerbaijan at the Aviva Stadium, on 4 September 2021.

Aaron Connolly of Ireland during the World Cup Qualifier match between the Republic of Ireland and Azerbaijan at the Aviva Stadium, on 4 September 2021. Credit: Ben Whitley (ETPhotos)

Republic of Ireland international Aaron Connolly has completed a loan move to English Championship club Middlesbrough from Brighton and Hove Albion.

The Galway native will stay at the Riverside Stadium until the end of the 2021/22 season.

“I’m delighted. It’s an area of the pitch we need to improve in terms of competition for places,” manager Chris Wilder said, speaking to the club’s website.

“He’s a young player, he’s played in the Premier League a number of times, and he’s from a technical football club. He’s also played for his country.

“He gives us pace, can finish at the top of the pitch and gives us competition for the players around him.”

The 21-year-old has made nearly 50 Premier League appearances for his parent club scoring five goals in England’s top flight since making his debut in 2019.

Connolly has appeared eight times for the Republic of Ireland, making his debut against Georgia in October 2019 under Mick McCarthy.

The Boro are currently fifth in the Championship, ten points behind top of the table Bournemouth.

    About Paul Corcoran

    Paul Corcoran is an experienced writer and journalist and has contributed to various publications including the Galway United match programme Maroon View. He spends much of his time covering the fortunes of Galway United's teams … View Full Profile