The striker made his Premier League debut against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, and was keen to thank the members of the first-team squad that he says have made him feel settled throughout his time in the changing room.
He said, “The whole dressing room has been great, and they all look after me. Shane [Duffy] looks after me because we know a lot of similar faces from the national set-up.
"Glenn [Murray] does the same because he’s a striker - he’s taken a different role out a bit wider, but he helps me every day in training.
“Against Bristol Rovers he was taking time every five or ten minutes to speak to me on the field, but they’re all good with me and it’s been brilliant.”
Connolly’s top-flight bow followed his first senior goal on Tuesday evening in the Carabao Cup victory over Bristol Rovers, and the Irishman reflected on the hard work he’s put in to get to this point.
“I don’t think it will sink in for a while and I felt a little bit speechless because it was something that I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” he continued.
“I’m proud that all my hard work is paying off, it’s been three or four years coming – I came over here when I was 15 or 16 and have been working hard every day to get to this stage.
“Thankfully the gaffer has trusted me and I’m delighted – training with the first team every day is great and then I got my chance. Now I know I have to be patient and take my chances when they come to me.”
The forward is now eager to kick on and provide himself with the best possible chance of getting more first team minutes under his belt across the coming campaign, spurred on by plenty of messages of support from home.
“This year I want to just try and play as many games as possible, I have a little taste of the Premier League now and I want a lot more.
“I’ll just keep working hard and take my chances if they come along to repay the manager’s trust.
“Everyone’s wished me well and is very proud – my dad flew over on the Saturday morning from Ireland in the hope that I’d get on, luckily I did that and it's a really good feeling that everyone’s so proud of me.”