AARON Connolly is yet to discover his best form at loan side Middlesbrough since his move earlier this month.

The striker joined the Championship side with the hope of gaining more regular football.

Connolly has started the last two games but is yet to hit the net for Boro.

Sports journalist covering Middlesbrough Matty Jones told the Argus: “I’m sure he will have been happy to have started the last two games given his lack of game time at Brighton.

“But a Covid outbreak at the club meant that he had to wait to properly train with the first-team.

“Then his registration wasn’t completed in time for the FA Cup win over Mansfield meaning he had to wait until January 15 to make his full debut, nearly two weeks after he completed his move.

The Argus: Aaron Connolly is yet to score for BoroAaron Connolly is yet to score for Boro

“His debut against Reading showed glimpses of what he is capable of. He was on the pitch for an hour, which is understandable given the lack of game time, and managed to register a shot on target and two wide of the mark.

“There was a moment where he fronted his man up on the run and cut inside from the left before bending his shot just over the bar.

“That is the strength of Connolly and where he is most dangerous. Against Blackburn, it was a frustrating night where Boro huffed and puffed but couldn’t really create many clear cut chances for Connolly.

“But on the whole, it was bad day at the office for the team. If I had to give his two appearances a mark out of ten, I’d say a six.”

Connolly has a point to prove that he will be able to reach the potential that he showed early on in his career. His arrival at Boro was greeted with great excitement from fans.

Jones said: “The majority of the fans were pleased to see Aaron Connolly brought in on a loan deal until the end of the season.

“Boro’s lack of firepower in front of goal has been well documented and one of Chris Wilder’s top priorities in the transfer window was bringing in a number of attacking players.”