ALBION under-23s hot-shot Aaron Connolly has suffered a cruelly timed injury setback.

The Republic of Ireland striker sustained hamstring damage in the closing stages of Monday night’s 1-1 draw at Liverpool.

Connolly said through gritted teeth on Twitter: “Any spare hamstrings knocking about,” before adding: “hopefully be back soon.”

He went off in the draw against Arsenal last week with a suspected hamstring problem but was passed fit for the Liverpool match.

Manager Chris Hughton revealed to The Argus Albion have received “numerous enquiries” from clubs keen to take Connolly on loan.

The Seagulls have been weighing up whether to loan him out or retain his services in-house.

That decision may now have been taken out of their hands, with the close of the transfer window just over a fortnight away.

Connolly could also have come into contention for a place in the matchday squad for the FA Cup fourth round tie against West Brom at the Amex on January 26, two days before he turns 19.

He has scored 17 goals this season and has been linked with several clubs as negotiations continue over a new contract.

Connolly made his first team debut as a 17-year-old substitute at home to Barnet in the Carabao Cup at the beginning of last season.

He also made a brief appearance from the bench in the same competition against Southampton at the Amex earlier this season.