Middlesbrough have confirmed the loan signing of Brighton striker Aaron Connolly.
The Republic of Ireland international is Boro's first signing of the January transfer window and joins until the end of the season.
The 21-year-old has made over 50 appearances for Brighton but has featured just six times in all competitions this season - four of those in the Premier League with just one top-flight start.
He has has represented his country from Under-17 level to the senior team, but was not involved in the squad for the November window for fixtures against Portugal and Luxembourg.
Speaking that month, his international manager Stephen Kenny said that the player was "at a crossroads in his career" and mooted the possible benefits of a temporary move to the Championship.
"Whether he gets enough football between now January, and he has to decide if he needs a loan period to get regular football... that's no reflection on Brighton.
"Brighton have done brilliant work behind the scenes with Aaron to develop him through their academy, and with other players as well."
Aaron Connolly becomes #Boro's first signing of the January window, arriving on loan from @OfficialBHAFC ✍️
— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) January 2, 2022
Welcome to #Boro, Aaron! 👋 #UTB
Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder told the club's website: "I'm delighted. It's an area of the pitch we need to improve in terms of competition for places.
"He's a young player, he's played in the Premier League a number of times and he's from a technical football club. He's also played for his country.
"He gives us pace, can finish at the top of the pitch and gives us competition for the players around him."
