Aaron Connolly could face the man who put his Premier League dream on hold tonight.

And former Albion midfielder Gary Dicker would love it to be from kick-off.

Connolly is being touted for a start with the Republic of Ireland away to Switzerland.

The Swiss defence will include Fabian Schar, whose brilliant goal-line clearance denied Connolly a first Prem goal at Newcastle.

Proud Irishman Dicker said: “What are you waiting for? He started against Tottenham and did well from the start. James Collins played against Georgia on Saturday but I think Aaron offers a bit more. He gets in behind and is something different.”

Dicker can understand the excitement over 19-year-old Connolly.

He said: “We’ve been waiting for someone to break through.

“It’s a lot of pressure but he has been knocking on the door for some time.”