The left defender for the Republic of Ireland’s Under-21 national team is getting ready for two crucial Euro 2025 qualifying games.
James Furlong praised Hull City striker Aaron Connolly for helping the young player adjust to life at the MKM Stadium after they arrived in a transfer flurry last Friday along with three other players.
Furlong, who joined Leicester on deadline day from Connolly’s former club Brighton, had a hectic 24 hours that included joining up with his new teammates in Leicester for the 1-0 Championship victory on Saturday before leaving to join the Ireland Under-21 team for their matches against Turkiye (on Friday) and San Marino this coming Tuesday.
Connolly, who returned to City earlier this summer, finally joined the Irish team this week, joining them off the bench for the closing moments of their 2-0 loss to France on Thursday night at the Parc des Princes.
In an interview with the Irish Independent, Furlong said, “He’s a really wonderful man. “He made me feel really welcome when I joined the club last week. Every player experiences difficult moments, but he is now starting games and scoring goals.
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He’s getting close to reaching his full potential. I hope he continues to play. He was thrilled to have been called up as a senior. We are all happy for him.
Connolly, a Tigers striker in fine form, has a somewhat contentious relationship with the media, but according to Furlong, the striker is simply self-assured.
The 21-year-old Dubliner responded, “No, I believe he’s simply a confident man. “As a striker, you need a certain amount of it, and he definitely has that. It benefits him both on and off the field. No matter what position you play, you need to be confident.
