"Could be a sensible move" - Millwall FC told to take immediate contract action on "unlucky" Lions player | OneFootball

FLW's Millwall fan pundit has given his verdict on Aaron Connolly's future at the club

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Millwall boss Alex Neil has been told to consider handing Aaron Connolly an extended contract at The Den thanks to his performances since his January arrival.

The Republic of Ireland international has made 11 appearances for Millwall since making the switch from Sunderland in the mid-season window, with the 25-year-old brought in to add extra depth in attacking areas.

Connolly though has been reduced to cameo roles in his more recent outings for the South Bermondsey outfit, starting just five times in total, including against Sunderland this past weekend.

The 25-year-old arrived on a short-term deal, leaving his future at The Den uncertain going into the summer transfer window.

He will have just a few more weeks left in the campaign to convince Millwall that he should be kept on beyond this season, or else face becoming a free agent going into the summer.

Aaron Connolly's lack of Millwall game-time dubbed "unlucky" - he's deserving of new Millwall contract

When asked about Connolly’s future at the club, FLW’s Millwall fan pundit Lucas Ball claimed that the forward’s been unlucky not to play more.

He believes the Irishman is a good fit for the Lions and that he has a role within the team as part of the attacking unit.

“Aaron Connolly’s been an interesting one,” Ball told Football League World.

“I think it’s clear that he’s had off the pitch issues in the last few years, so I think he’d quite like to find a home.

“I think he fits in well with the club in terms of his personality, he’s been unlucky I think at times in recent weeks not to get more game time.

“I think Alex Neil’s acutely aware of that as well, and it’s not necessarily through any fault of Connolly’s.

“We don’t have as much pace off the right, and we have players who are more comfortable down the left who have that more express pace to get some more pace in the team.

“Connolly is a lot more comfortable on the left of the three behind the striker, so Luke Cundle came in in January as well, and Raees Bangura-Williams in the 10, they’ve been okay, thought Bangura-Williams has been doing well when he’s played.

“Cundle had a few quiet games, but obviously he’s come in as someone we paid a decent fee for.

“So he’s probably been a bit unlucky to find himself out of the team.”

Ball believes that Connolly can have a future with Millwall beyond this season, claiming that his talent is there as you need to reach a certain quality to make it through the Brighton academy system.

“If we can re-address the balance of our wingers and our wide men in terms of our pace, then I think Connolly still has a lot to offer,” Lucas added.

“He was very impressive in his first few games, particularly when he started, picked up a couple of knocks since then so that’s not helped him as well, just at the wrong time for him.

“But I’d be more than happy to see him sign for next season.

“I think he’s a good player to have up there, he’s versatile, can play in the 10, off either wing, and also can play as a number nine if we needed him to.

“I’m more than happy if we offer him a new contract, personally, I quite like him.

“He’s got that kind of tenacity you look for as well, I think Alex Neil will enjoy working with him.

“He’s clearly a very talented boy.

“Brighton, the players that have come through their academy now and the investment they’ve put into that - you don’t come through that without some serious talent.

“I think it could be a sensible move for all parties just to get him tied down on a slightly longer-term deal, and then we’ll see what happens next season from there.”

Aaron Connolly needs to prove himself in the final weeks of the season to earn Millwall deal

Connolly was an ultra-talented youngster at Brighton, but a combination of injuries and off-field issues have held him back.

If he can’t make it work at Millwall, then it wouldn’t come as a surprise if he dropped down to League One in the summer, as he may not be able to do enough for a Championship club to take another punt.

He still has plenty of talent, but he needs to get his head down over the next several weeks and perform at his best to show he still has what it takes to compete at this level.

Connolly may be a good fit for the club, but if Neil can’t be convinced of that by the end of the campaign, then it’s hard to see him staying.