The 19-year-old, called into Mick McCarthy’s senior Ireland squad on the back of his display at the Amex, left former England striker Alan Shearer impressed.
Speaking on Match of the Day, Shearer purred, “He was absolutely magnificent. He ran Spurs ragged all afternoon. It was a complete centre-forward performance; it had everything.”
Shearer praised his movement, willingness to run in behind the Spurs defence and his overall work-rate, before adding, “He was superb. He’s been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad and it’s thoroughly deserved on that performance.”
His Match of the Day colleague and fellow former England striker Gary Lineker, also spoke of Connolly’s maturity and labelled his display as “a fabulous first Premier League start."
Connolly grew up idolising Thierry Henry, and speaking after the Spurs match, spoke about his love of watching Premier League Years throughout his childhood, but Shearer’s praise will have topped a very special day for the teenager.