Aaron Connolly is hotter property than ever this morning – after a sizzling Checkatrade Trophy hat-trick.

The Irish striker, likely to be in big demand by loan suitors in January, saw Albion under-21s to an outstanding 3-2 win at MK Dons.

But the young Seagulls missed out on the last 32 by just one goal.

Connolly has 15 goals this season and bounced back from a bad miss to impress a posse of scouts.

But it was a terrific all-round performance by Simon Rusk’s side to twice come from behind.

Rusk said: “Overall some of our play was excellent . Perhaps we had enough chances to get another and maybe that would have been the goal that got us through.

“It’s a good win but it’s tinged with a lot of disappointment that we didn’t get out of the group.”