By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me on Twitter @skysportspeteo
Wednesday 26 January 2011 12:18, UK
Image:Clough: Big admirer of Connolly
Derby County starlet Ryan Connolly is delighted to have secured a new deal at Pride Park.
Young Irish star eyes comeback from injury
Derby County starlet Ryan Connolly is delighted to have secured a new deal at Pride Park.
The highly-rated midfielder signed a one-year contract extension at Derby last week to keep him at the club until 2012.
Connolly, who made his first-team debut at the end of last season, is currently recovering after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury in the summer.
The 19-year-old is happy to have his future sorted out and he has set his sights on returning to action before the end of the season.
"It is great to get a new deal as it gives me some extra security," Connolly told skysports.com.
"The new contract means the club have a lot of faith in me and I am keen to repay them for that.
"With the contract now sorted out I can now focus on getting back to fitness after suffering a cruciate injury.
"I am stepping up my recovery and I hope to be back playing before the end of the season.
"I hope to be available again for the start of April and hopefully I can play some games as I want to be fit for the Republic of Ireland for the elite stage of Euro Under 19 qualifiers in May."
