Alan Browne shares what he told Sunderland decision-makers about Aaron Connolly
Sunderland’s Alan Browne has revealed what he told the Sunderland hierarchy regarding Aaron Connolly prior to the Irishman signing a one-year contract with the Black Cats.
Connolly’s arrival was met with a fair amount of surprise given his status as a free agent and reported injury problems in recent times.
However, Browne knows Connolly well from his time with the Republic of Ireland national team and wasn’t hesitant to heap praise on his new club teammate.
In quotes reported by the Sunderland Echo (8 October) Browne said: “They spoke to me briefly about him. I don’t think I was the deciding factor but I spoke well of him. Knowing him from the past and having played with him, there’s a top, top player in there, so it’s about getting the best out of him.
“He’s settling in quite well with the group already, so hopefully, once he gets up to match fitness, he’ll be another option for us and a great option at that. Hopefully, he can add to the strikers who have been firing already.”
Aaron Connolly potential gem for Sunderland
Almost anyone associated with a club in England will have likely heard of Aaron Connolly down to the amount of promise he showed when coming through the ranks at Brighton, scoring a brace on his Premier League debut (Premier League).
Injuries somewhat slowed his progress and several failed loan moves would follow. However, with a new home in Sunderland, Connolly now has the chance to rekindle his career and will undoubtedly take encouragement from the likes of Patrick Roberts and recently departed Jack Clarke who both followed similar career paths to Connolly before kickstarting their career on Wearside.
The Irishman featured and scored for the club’s U21 side on Monday (7 October) as Regis Le Bris looks to get the forward up to speed ahead of an encounter at Hull City (Connolly’s former club) after the international break.
With the return of Eliezer Mayenda imminent and the recently found form of Wilson Isidor, Connolly will have time to bed himself into the club and will provide an excellent option when needed.
In other Sunderland news, summer signing Salis Abdul Samed is edging closer to match fitness and Regis Le Bris may be forced into a difficult decision in regards to Dan Neil.
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