Aaron Connolly hopes his debut appearance in the Premier League is the first of many.

The 19-year-old Albion striker came on against Manchester City in the 66th minute for fellow striker Neal Maupay.

It was not the result Connolly, pictured, would have wished for after City ran out 4-0 winners at the Etihad Stadium but he cannot wait for another taste of the top flight.

Connolly said: “It is every young kid’s dream making their Premier League debut.

“It’s the same with me. I’ve always wanted to do it since I was young and, thankfully, it happened.

“The result didn’t go the way me or the team wanted but I’m just proud to have my debut and, hopefully, this is the first of many.”

Despite the scoreline, the Ireland Under-21s hitman felt Albion’s performance was encouraging.

He said: “City are just clinical and if you give them chances they will score.

“But I think we were in the game the whole time and I don’t think the scoreline reflected that.”

Connolly could not fault the effort of his team-mates across the 90 minutes.

He said: “Looking on I thought it was evenly matched. Obviously the gaffer has got us playing a certain way so everything he put to the boys they delivered.

“You can’t ask for much more but it’s unfortunate the result went the way it did.”

Albion now go into the international break before they entertain Burnley in a fortnight.

After back-to-back Prem defeats, the break may have come at a good time for Albion. But not for Connolly.

He said: “I just want to keep playing. I wish the next game would come tomorrow, just so I can maybe get another chance to play in the Premier League.

“Hopefully I go away during the break, get a couple of games in with Ireland’s under-21s and then come back fresh, injury free and get another chance in the Premier League.”