Aaron Connolly says he is ready to reignite his Ireland career - and put his “mistakes” behind him.
The 22-year-old has returned to the Under-21s ahead of their European Championship play-offs against Israel.
Capped eight times at senior level, Connolly was a surprise inclusion ahead of Friday’s first-leg in Tallaght Stadium (7pm).
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However, the Galway native - currently on-loan at Serie B side Venezia from Brighton - is determined to make the most of the opportunity handed to him by 21s boss Jim Crawford.
“I was a bit surprised I was still eligible, to be honest with you,” said Connolly, in a short interview with the FAI’s inhouse media.
“It’s one of those, a lot of people have certain things to say about my career so far, but I think they forget that I’m still eligible to play 21s football.
“Yeah, I’ve made some mistakes, or so called mistakes, or what people like to say over the last certain amount of years.
“So it’s just a chance to go and show people that I’m ready to play and I’m ready to focus on football and, like I said before, help the 21s.”
Connolly says he jumped at the chance to return to the Under-21s - two years after his last involvement at this level.
He was asked about a return by his former Brighton academy manager John Morling, an ex-Ireland underage coach who returned recently to the FAI as a senior football consultant.
“When he (Morling) mentioned it and how big the game was, I couldn’t wait to get involved, just to show people that I am not taking playing for Ireland for granted,” said Connolly.
“Some people might have that perception over the last few years.
“It’s a chance to help the 21s qualify for their first ever 21s tournament, maybe, and just show people what I can do.”
And it’s an opportunity to knock on the door of his former Under-21 boss Stephen Kenny.
“Obviously Stephen was the manager last time I played 21s,” he said.
“I’ve played however many games for the first-team and for now my main focus is on the 21s.
“But obviously it would be nice to put myself back in Stephen’s plans and show him I’m ready to focus and play for Ireland again.”
Ireland - bidding to qualify for the Under-21 European Championships for the first time - host Israel on Friday, before next Tuesday’s return leg in Tel Aviv.
Connolly’s return hasn’t been universally welcomed - with one of Stephen Kenny’s former players describing the call-up as “a risky one.”
Ex-Dundalk goalkeeper Gary Rogers said earlier this week: “That Under-21 squad is fairly well settled. There's a bit of rotation in terms of when there are injuries and players in form or out of form.
“Connolly's gone away (to Venezia) and he has played five games, averaging around 30 minutes a game. It's not as if he's in outstanding form.
“I just find it's a risky one and does he come in and does he play because he's a senior international or how does he react to maybe not playing?”
However, Connolly described the call as “a big honour” and added: “It’s been a while now since I’ve played at any level for Ireland. I am looking forward to getting back in.
“Obviously I know most of the boys from growing up and stuff, so I’m just looking forward to the games starting and hopefully we can make a bit of history for the 21s.”
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