Graham Potter expects Aaron Connolly to deal with the disappointment of missing out on international action.

The Albion striker is not part of the Republic of Ireland squad to play Portugal and Luxembourg in forthcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Potter and Republic boss Stephen Kenny both reported Connolly had a minor heel issue.

There appeared a slight difference of interpretation as to why he was not in the Irish squad.

But Kenny recognised he would probably be fit in time for next Thursday’s fixture against the Portuguese.

Potter said: “He picked up a heel injury after the Leicester game.

“It was only minor but we just probably felt the game at Liverpool came too soon.

“It was only a couple of days’ recovery time so that was disappointing for him.

BRIGHTON V NEWCASTLE - GRAHAM POTTER'S PRESS CONFERENCE  

“I thought he did well against Leicester, worked hard for the team.

“I imagine he will be frustrated and disappointed not to play for his country because he wants to do that.

“But, at the same time, he will respect the decision of Stephen.

“That’s life. You have to accept the coach makes these decisions and that is what Aaron does.”

Kenny was at Leicester and watched Connolly in Carabao Cup action.

He said today: “It was great to see him get 90 minutes in because he has not had that often over the last fair period of his career.

“He has had a heel issue since then.

“He missed the league game, he hasn’t trained at all.

“He is unable to train at the moment so, on that basis, he has been left out.”

Kenny said he had been in touch both with Potter and Connolly.

He added: “I spoke to Graham in midweek. I have a good relation with Graham.

“He hasn’t been training for Brighton.

“I spoke to Aaron yesterday and he didn’t feel he was really right.

“Technically he could possibly be available next Thursday for selection.”