Aaron Connolly has signed a new four-year deal with Brighton. 

The striker made his first team breakthrough with the Seagulls this season, scoring twice in his first start against Tottenham in October. 

Connolly made his Republic of Ireland debut that month, and would end up making 27 appearances in a Brighton shirt.

He signed off on the 2019-20 season with a goal in Brighton's 2-1 win away to Burnley.

"It’s fantastic the club have given me this kind of security because it means I can push on now for the next four years," Connolly told Brighton's website.

"It will help me relax and enjoy my football even more.

"This season has been unbelievable at times and obviously the Tottenham game when I scored twice was a big moment for me.

"But then I had the dip where I didn’t get the goals which was tough to take.

"But to get one against Burnley on the final day of the season and to go into the break knowing I have scored another goal since Spurs was a great feeling. I am just looking forward improving even more next season."

Brighton have been busy on the recruitment front since that final whistle blew at Turf Moor last Sunday.

Adam Lallana has joined having been released by Liverpool. And right-back Joel Veltman was a surprise acquisition from Ajax, signing a 3-year deal at the AmEx.

They've also acquired 18-year old Jenson Weir from Wigan.

Connolly says the encouragement of manager Graham Potter was one of his key motivations for signing a long-term deal.

“Without the manager I don’t think I would have played any Premier League games for Brighton by now," said Connolly.

"I owe a lot to him and I want to repay that faith that he has shown in me next season.

"The trust he has put in me is a huge bonus even without the goals, so if I can score regularly next season it will make me even happier."