Ireland striker Aaron Connolly scores first goal in almost a year

"There was a lot of relief when the ball hit the net."

The striker recently opened up about his alcohol addiction, and, after being released by Hull City last summer, was picked up by the Black Cats on a one-year deal in September.

It was the Galway man's seventh appearance for the club - who are second in the Championship to Leeds on goal difference - but just his second start. He has also played and scored for the reserves.

After not scoring a senior goal since last December Connolly said: "There was a lot of relief when the ball hit the net.

"I was about to run down to the away end but thought ‘I need to save my energy here’. I think you could see how much relief there was, I just wanted to get that one.

"I want to score goals and I want to contribute in any way I can and the most important thing is that we are picking up points.

"It’s just my second start. I scored goals last year with limited starts so hopefully, I can do the same with more starts. I just want to score goals and contribute with points on the board for the team."

Aaron Connolly with a tidy finish for Sunderland

Sunderland conceded in the 93rd minute to a Femi Azeez equaliser - assisted brilliantly by Ireland U21 forward Aidomo Emakhu (above). But despite a fourth draw in a row, the club are unbeaten in nine games.

Connolly, who won his last Ireland cap in September 2023, continued: "We are on an unbeaten run and you can see all the lads are doing their bit. It was disappointing to concede so late. We gave our all for 90-plus minutes. We had a lot of changes in the line-up but we fully expected to get three points, so to concede so late was devastating. We're devastated but we go again Tuesday.

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris added: "It shows that every player needs time. Even if you have a good background, this league is very competitive.

"You need time to improve and to get to the right level. Aaron deserves it because he works a lot and works for the team. It was a fantastic goal."