Aaron Connolly scores twice for Sunderland U21 as striker edges closer to match fitness
Sunderland’s most recent recruit Aaron Connolly has hit the ground running with three goals in two Under-21s appearances as he edges closer to match fitness.
The Irishman played a huge role in Graeme Murty’s side, scoring twice as they brushed off Huddersfield Town with a 3-1 victory securing only their second win of the season.
The Under-21s manager was full of praise for the forward in an interview with the club channel after the game in regard to his ability and conduct.
Murty said: “Training with the group, he’s been really good to work with. He’s really good at making sure he’s vocal in his communication with the young players, he’s teaching them by his example, but he’s also given them good words of advice, he’s also not shy about getting after a few people if they’re below the standard, which is good.
“He’s a very good finisher, you see that in training all the time, but for him to do that today and last week as you said, it shows like he’s gonna be a threat. So we want to make sure we showcase him as well as we possibly can, we want to support him as well as we can, but ultimately it’s down to the players to show the right attitude, to take the opportunity and maximise the chance to get sharp and fit.”
Sunderland must utilise Aaron Connolly
With Connolly’s return to full-match fitness seemingly imminent, Sunderland need to utilise the striker as much as possible.
The Irishman has consistently shown his ability as a natural goalscorer despite several barriers in his career which Connolly opened up about.
His most recent spell at Hull City allowed him to demonstrate his pure ability and seven goals in 13 starts before an unfortunate injury showcased that talent.
It wasn’t long ago that Connolly was a Premier League striker but after several failed loans, things turned sour fairly quickly however Sunderland is arguably the best place to be for a player like that.
Whilst the likes of Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor have both impressed, Connolly offers something completely different, one of those things being vast experience in the English leagues which is something Sunderland have lacked since the sale of Ross Stewart to Southampton last summer.
Sunderland’s upcoming fixture, ironically against Hull City, this Sunday (20 October), will provide a huge opportunity for Connolly to stamp his authority in this Black Cats side and rejuvenate what can still be a very successful career.
In other Sunderland news, Carlton Palmer believes it would be an “inspired signing” should Sunderland be able to conclude a deal to bring Jordan Henderson back to the Stadium of Light.
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