‘Consistency is key’ – Millwall boss on Aaron Connolly’s reduction in game time for Millwall

Millwall head coach Alex Neil is hoping that Aaron Connolly can make an impact in the remaining Championship matches – especially with Femi Azeez sidelined due to a hamstring injury.

The Lions signed the former Brighton youngster in the winter transfer window.

Connolly had a spell where he started five successive league fixtures, including scoring against QPR at The Den, but he has been a late substitute in their three most recent Championship outings.

The 25-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of June, was also an unused substitute for the Den defeat to Bristol City at the start of March.

“There was one game where he pulled out with his back, that was the only game – from memory – that he had any sort of ailment,” said Neil, when asked by the South London Press about the reduction in Connolly’s involvement.

“Obviously we had Femi (Azeez) coming back in that position, 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.

“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.

“Because we lack straightline 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.”