ALBION striker Aaron Connolly has more competition at loan club Middlesbrough.

Connolly joined the Championship side in order to increase his game time after a tough start to the season with Albion.

The Irishman had struggled with form and injury during the first half of the campaign and subsequently moved up north on loan.

This opportunity at Middlesbrough was supposed to be the striker's second chance to reach the potential that he showed early on.

The Argus: Brighton and Hove Albion’s Aaron Connolly celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Carabao Cup third round match at the AMEX Stadium, Brighton.Brighton and Hove Albion’s Aaron Connolly celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Carabao Cup third round match at the AMEX Stadium, Brighton.

However, the club have now signed promising Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun on loan from the London club.

Balogun is a highly-rated forward and has scored 13 goals in 11 Premier League 2 starts as well as two in the Papa John's Trophy.

The 20-year-old has already been praised by Middlesbrough manager Chris Wilder.

He said: “We’re delighted to get Flo in.

“He’s a player I’ve known about for a long time and we identified him as someone who could come in and improve us in the second half of the season.

“He has great movement, good pace, and he’s a natural finisher.

“We’re looking forward to working with him.”

Connolly will have to work extra hard to earn his minutes on the pitch following the arrival for Balogun.

The Albion man is yet to make his debut for Middlesbrough and was not in the squad for their 3-2 away FA Cup victory over Mansfield Town on Saturday.