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Andrews hails Albion’s Irish starlets

Former Albion midfielder Keith Andrews has spoken glowingly of the talents of Irish pair Aaron Connolly and Jayson Molumby.

By Alex Stedman • 13 November 2019

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Keith Andrews presenting on Sky Sports.

Connolly notched twice on his first Premier League start against Tottenham Hotspur at the start of October and has since made his senior debut for the Republic of Ireland, whilst Jayson Molumby has enjoyed an impressive recent run of form with Millwall in the Championship. 

Andrews, who is involved in the under-21 side at international level, praised the impact that Connolly has had since breaking into the Seagulls’ first team frame this season. 

He said, “Aaron made the most of the opportunity when he got it and when you score the types of goals that he did at that level it’s a massive thing for a country like ours.

“You simply have to be in the senior squad so it was no real surprise to see him included. He obviously got on the pitch not long after and that didn’t shock me either, I thought he acquitted himself really well.

“He’s a very talented player, I have a lot of time for him and I’ve thought for quite a long time that he could be something special - I still think that. He’s an explosive and dynamic player that makes things happen in the final third of the pitch, that’s the hardest area of the field to play in, especially when you also factor in some of the players he’s coming up against each week.

“To do what he did against that Tottenham defence, who’ve played in European club competitions and World Cups, spoke volumes and that was clearly a challenge he relished.”

Andrews also spoke about the mentality of the 19-year-old striker, and looked back at the decision by Graham Potter to promote both the forward and midfielder Steven Alzate from the club’s under-23 side to the senior squad before the start of the campaign. 

“He’s fearless and it doesn’t matter who he’s facing, I think he has a really strong inner belief. He’s very driven and has a steely determination about how he approaches games and situations in matches.

“He’s clearly in a team where he’s performing well. I think it helps him to play with a strike partner like he is in Neal Maupay, and at this stage of his career that sort of support in the attacking areas can only help him.

“It was seen by some as a risk by Graham Potter to trust in youth in both Aaron and Steven [Alzate] but that’s definitely been rewarded with them both now having represented their countries at senior level.  I think it’s testament to what the head coach is trying to do and the way he wants to move the football club forward. Aaron had to wait a little while at the start of the season to get his chance, but it’s worked out well for him now.”

Christmas cracker at the Amex!

Molumby has also caught the eye with Millwall over recent months since breaking into the Lions’ side, and Andrews is well aware of the Ireland under-21 skipper’s talents after working with him at a national level in recent times.

“He’s had to be patient as well, he’s our captain for the under-21 side and will no doubt be looking to get involved in the senior setup, and in my opinion it’s only a matter of time before he does that, he’s the heartbeat of our side.” he continued. 

“He went to Millwall with a little bit of a knock and I felt like the club were sensible in terms of how they built him up in training and the game time they gave him. They changed the manager recently and that’s something he’s had to deal with, but Gary Rowett seems to like him. It’s no real surprise to find him being a favourite at the club. It’s a priceless experience for him to be playing regularly in the Championship and he’ll really benefit from that.

“I’ve said it many times before but we would have heard a lot more about Jayson Molumby if it wasn’t for that terrible injury he suffered which kept him out for so long. He’s recovered from that and hopefully he continues to do well.”

The 20-year-old made the move to the capital from the south coast on a season-long loan deal to the second tier club, and Andrews says it’s no surprise that the midfielder has fitted into the fold so well. 

“The leadership qualities we see in him for the national side also suit the type of club that Millwall is,” he continued.

“The fans expect the players to give everything, but you could put him in any side and in any style and he’d do well, he’s an all-round midfielder. He does it all and does all aspects of midfield work. He’s got a steely determination in abundance and fans at The Den will love that.”