Graham Potter has revealed why the time was right for Aaron Connolly.

The Irish teenager scored twice on his first Premier League start to help Albion brush aside Tottenham 3-0.

He was promoted to the senior Republic of Ireland squad for Euro 2020 qualifiers in Georgia and Switzerland within a few hours of his man-of-the-match showing at the Amex.

Connolly has started cup ties and come off the bench in the league.

His first Prem start helped Albion turn on the style once Hugo Lloris’s blunder and Neal Maupay’s finish had ignited their afternoon.

Asked why Connolly started, head coach Potter told The Argus: “Probably a combination of reflecting a little bit on the Chelsea game, his performances in training, his performances when he's come on the pitch.

“And then just it probably helps with the mentality around being positive, asking questions of their back line, around testing the space behind and really challenging their centre-backs.

“That was probably the combination of all things.

“He's a good lad, really good lad and remember he's 19, so there will be times when he acts mature and times when he is his age, that's normal but he's a good lad.

“From day one he's shown his quality, which is he wants to run in behind and threaten the goal and they're two good qualities to have.”

Connolly was called in from the Irish under-21s by Mick McCarthy after Ronan Curtis of Portsmouth reported a hamstring injury.

He will start training with the senior squad today at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown before heading to Tbilisi layer in the week.

McCarthy said: “Aaron enjoyed his full debut for Brighton and we have been keeping a close eye on his progress this season.”