Aaron Connolly insists he is “hungrier than ever” to get back to Albion after shining in an under-21 international.

The forward caught the eye with the Republic of Ireland in a 1-1 draw against Israel.

Albion striker Evan Ferguson headed home in the first leg of the Euros qualifying play-off.

Connolly is on loan to Venezia and had previously appeared to hint his time with Albion might be over.

However, after the game in Dublin, he said: “I loved it to be honest. It’s been a while. Certain things have gone on and stuff like that, but to play in front of this crowd in a big game.

“To play with the boys is top. I loved every minute of it.

“Like I said before, I’ve got my love back for the game again. When the love goes for the game it’s hard to perform on the pitch. To try and do your best every day is hard.

“Going to Italy, I’ve discovered the love for the game again. Even though the pre-season nearly put me off it! But it helped me.

“You can probably see it out there – I’m fit, I’m hungrier than ever to get back with the Ireland first-team and get back with Brighton.”

Connolly is confident the Irish can win the away leg tomorrow and go through.

He almost scored late on to give them an advantage to take to Tel-Aviv and said: “That sums up the last year and a half of my career really.

“Once one goes in though I’m hoping they’ll all start coming again.”

Connolly, under contract wih Albion until 2024, is off to a modest start with Venezia but looked sharp with the Irish 21s.