Former Sunderland manager Alex Neil has explained why former Sunderland striker Aaron Connolly hasn't started in Millwall's last six games, as the pair prepare for a return to the Stadium of Light tomorrow.
ONE INJURY ABSENCE
“There was one game where he [Connolly] pulled out with his back, that was the only game – from memory – that he had any sort of ailment."
COMPETITION
“Obviously we had Femi [Azeez] coming back in that position [out wide], we had Luke Cundle playing in the 10 role and Ra’ees [Bangura Williams] playing in the 10 at times. We had Aidomo [Emakhu] coming off the left. So we had a lot of competition in there."
CONSISTENCY NEEDED
“Aaron came on in the last game and contributed well. Femi is out at the moment – it creates opportunities and gaps for people. I’m hopeful that Aaron will feature more in the remaining games. It’s like with any player – consistency is key. You have got to effect games, get assists and get goals. I’m sure Aaron will be saying if 'I can get on the pitch I can do that more'. But the fact is I can’t keep 25 players happy every week, so I’ve got to ultimately pick what I think is going to give us the best chance of winning the game."
PLAYING OFF THE LEFT
“Because we lack straight-line running off the right – in terms of pure pace – we tend to go with that off the left, hence the reason Femi and Aido fill that area. I think Aaron prefers to play off the left than he does the right. That is sort of where it has come into conflict a little bit. But he has been doing fine.”
