Greening of Brighton a work in progress

Aaron Connolly may have appeared to be an overnight sensation when he marked his first Premier League start last weekend with two goals to sink Spurs, but Brighton have worked long and hard to nurture one of Ireland’s best young players, who could make his debut for Mick McCarthy’s side in Georgia tomorrow.

Connolly was courted by Manchester United, Aston Villa, Southampton and others, but it was the seaside club that secured his signing as a 16-year-old from Mervue United in Galway three years ago.