Andy Carroll in possession for Newcastle alongside defender Lewis Dunk. Source: Owen Humphreys

AARON CONNOLLY CAME within millimetres of his first Premier League goal on Saturday as Brighton grabbed a point away to Newcastle United with a 0-0 draw.

The Ireland U21 striker, who made his debut off the bench against Manchester City last month, was introduced for the final 20 minutes at St James’ Park.

Five minutes after entering the field of play Connolly almost broke the deadlock with a deft finish which was cleared off the line dramatically by defender Fabian Schar.

Newcastle were also subjected to jeers throughout the stalemate which featured large swathes of empty seats as fans turned their backs on a team with only one win this season.

Ireland defender Shane Duffy was an unused substitute as the 27-year-old continues to be overlooked by manager Graham Potter at the back.

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WHAT A CLEARANCE!



Aaron Connolly thinks he's scored but Fabian Schar sweeps it away just in the nick of time.



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Gavan Casey is joined by Andy Dunne and, from Japan, Murray Kinsella ahead of Ireland’s Rugby World Cup opener against Scotland.

Source: The42 Rugby Weekly/SoundCloud

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