Luca Connell (D/M Barnsley b.2001)

[Razors left peg]

I don't think he's in contention for the squad right now, but by this time next year he absolutely could be. With his form this season I'd be shocked if he's not playing in Championship next season

[JR89]

Depends where you're planning to play him, but as a 6 he'd be behind Cullen, Coventry and Hodge. Molumby can drop back there too.

If you're looking at him as an 8 he's probably behind Knight, Molumby, Smallbone, Browne and Sykes. Most of those are established Championship players, he's down in League 1. If he can step up a division successfully he could come into contention alright. But, right now, he's a long way off.

I wouldn't be looking at him as an 8 but could maybe play his as the 6 and play Cullen as an 8 with an out and out 10 like Azaz.

Though think he's a good bit off the squad until he plays regularly in the championship again. Even then you'll hopefully have Coventry playing regularly and think Hodge could go on loan next season. Might actually get a decent set piece taker if he can break into the squad though.

[third policeman]

He's a more natural 8 than any on that list with the possible exception of Smallbone. I agree that Sykes is worth having a look at. Personally I think we have to move on from the Hendrick, Brady, Hourihane era and Browne is manifestly below par for international football. Coventry is at best an understudy for Cullen. We need to be overhauling our midfield. If Cullen and Molumby are the only automatic picks and we're moving on from the old guard, then there's scope for bringing in more than one new player. Fully appreciate that Connell is playing in League 1, but someone who is making an outstanding impact at that level, with a team heading for promotion, may be a better option than a Championship journeyman or has been.

[liamoo11]

He's a more natural 8 than any on that list with the possible exception of Smallbone. I agree that Sykes is worth having a look at. Personally I think we have to move on from the Hendrick, Brady, Hourihane era and Browne is manifestly below par for international football. Coventry is at best an understudy for Cullen. We need to be overhauling our midfield. If Cullen and Molumby are the only automatic picks and we're moving on from the old guard, then there's scope for bringing in more than one new player. Fully appreciate that Connell is playing in League 1, but someone who is making an outstanding impact at that level, with a team heading for promotion, may be a better option than a Championship journeyman or has been.

Hour inane tore it up with Barnsley to get his villa move

[pineapple stu]

Brady was one of the best players on the pitch v Armenia at home. Browne is flexible position-wise and chips in with the odd goal too. Wouldn't be too quick dispensing with them for a guy playing in League 1. Obviously if he can carry that form into a Championship season next year then things change a lot.

[liamoo11]

He's a more natural 8 than any on that list with the possible exception of Smallbone. I agree that Sykes is worth having a look at. Personally I think we have to move on from the Hendrick, Brady, Hourihane era and Browne is manifestly below par for international football. Coventry is at best an understudy for Cullen. We need to be overhauling our midfield. If Cullen and Molumby are the only automatic picks and we're moving on from the old guard, then there's scope for bringing in more than one new player. Fully appreciate that Connell is playing in League 1, but someone who is making an outstanding impact at that level, with a team heading for promotion, may be a better option than a Championship journeyman or has been.

Lads used to be on here saying he couldn't run now he is a dynamic powerhouse all action 8

[third policeman]

Lads used to be on here saying he couldn't run now he is a dynamic powerhouse all action 8

More of a playmaker 8 than a box to box 8. Plays deeper than a 10 but advanced than a 6.

[Eirambler]

I think he'd have to be a 6 for us if he ever makes it to the senior setup. From what I've seen of him he's not mobile enough to play any further forward than that at international level. Can probably get away with it in League 1 alright.

[Razors left peg]

I think he'd have to be a 6 for us if he ever makes it to the senior setup. From what I've seen of him he's not mobile enough to play any further forward than that at international level. Can probably get away with it in League 1 alright.

From what Ive seen of him Id agree with this, hes a bit one paced but good distributer of the ball. I dont think he would be a box to box player but could be a very good deep lying distributor

[JR89]

Was also named young player of the season by Barnsley at the weekend.

[SkStu]

Watching this game. Connell playing so so well. Two great shots on target early on and now just provided the most delicious cross from deep on the left to provide an assist for the Barnsley goal. He’s really good.

Someone before said he’s too slow. He’s not really. He not fast but he’s definitely not slow and he seems to have a short burst in him.

[JR89]

Peach of a cross from Luca and Barnsley take the lead. Lad has a wand of a left foot as they say.

[SkStu]

Kitching, Barnsley goalscorer, is Ireland eligible too I think. Seen his name round these parts I’m sure.

[JR89]

Into the final and named motm too.

[Jd2793]

stunner of a pass for the goal

[JR89]

[tommy_c12000]

Delighted for him, he has had a great season and seems like a good guy. Until the destination is definitely championship, I wouldn’t be saying he’s a must have in the squad for a look. Hopefully he will continue to go from strength to strength, but needs to be playing championship football at a minimum next season. Still only 22

[tommy_c12000]

Watching this game. Connell playing so so well. Two great shots on target early on and now just provided the most delicious cross from deep on the left to provide an assist for the Barnsley goal. He’s really good.

Someone before said he’s too slow. He’s not really. He not fast but he’s definitely not slow and he seems to have a short burst in him.

He surprised me in Scotland in the few games I saw him play in, seemed to have a bit of bite in him, tough in tackle etc. originally I thought he was the second coming of Stephen McPhail. Definitely not quick thought but not a complete slug either, will be interesting to see if he can sustain it at a higher level

[elatedscum]

Watching this game. Connell playing so so well. Two great shots on target early on and now just provided the most delicious cross from deep on the left to provide an assist for the Barnsley goal. He’s really good.

Someone before said he’s too slow. He’s not really. He not fast but he’s definitely not slow and he seems to have a short burst in him.

*coughs eirrambler in silence*

[CraftyToePoke]

Stark contrast here, and a direct comparison with Taylor for Peterborough last night in a second leg pressure cooker, Taylor started 4.0 up having looked like a footballing God few days earlier when cruising to a home win, but was found badly wanting last night when it started to crumble & didn't take a pen either. Connell assisted the winner in a much tighter overall tie and fair play to him, great stuff, delighted for him after the disheartening time at Celtic.