Aaron Connolly's "nuisance" factor is something Conor Hourihane hopes to see for Ireland.

The forward announced himself on the Premier League stage with a brace for Brighton against Tottenham on Saturday.

But Aston Villa and Ireland midfielder Hourihane already had experience of Connolly's talents when Brighton and Villa went head-to-head in the EFL Cup in late September.

He told Off The Ball's Stephen Doyle about how excited he is to see how his new Ireland senior team-mates translates his talents to the Boys In Green.

"He was a nuisance to be honest that night," he said at today's Ireland press conference alongside Alan Browne.

Quick and sharp

"I was delighted when he went off. He runs channels really well and chases lost causes. Doesn't give the centre-halves any time on the ball. He's really quick and really sharp.

"And like I said, he was a nuisance really. He could have had a couple of goals that night. I think he hit the crossbar and he just gives defenders a tough night.

"And I'd imagine when he went off, our centre-halves were delighted as well. So he's a good prospect that's for sure."

Meanwhile, Hourihane highlighted a personal goal-scoring achievement over the weekend:

League 2 ✅⚽️. League 1 ✅⚽️. Championship ✅⚽️.
Premier League ✅⚽️. Ireland ✅⚽️ https://t.co/tCxln2Cu6e

— Conor Hourihane (@ConorHourihane) October 5, 2019

"It's one I was very pleased with at the weekend to say I've done all of that," he said after his debut Premier League goal.

"I've worked so much over the years to try and achieve something like that. It's pleasing for myself but listen, it's one that I won't be resting on.

"Time to push on now for myself and I'm hungry for more really."

In terms of his future aims, "more goals at international level and Premier League level" was paramount in his thoughts.

"I probably want to score a couple more goals [for Ireland]," he said.

"I've had 14 caps now, I've scored one. It was great to get my first goal of course - an important goal as well."

You can watch the full press conference above via our YouTube channel.

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