With the Tigers awaiting Football League approval, it was unclear when the signing was completed if the Republic of Ireland international would be eligible to make his debut against Fulham in the FA Cup.

The loan does not include an option or obligation to buy at the end of the season.

For Connolly, this is an important opportunity to kick-start a career which is yet to fulfil the promise shown in Brighton's youth system, where he was coached by Liam Rosenior, now his manager at Hull.

He disappointed on loan at Middlesbrough in the second half of last season, only scoring twice as the Teessiders' promotion push subsided after Easter. He began 2022-23 on loan at Serie B Venezia, but played just five games without scoring.

Rosenior, though, is full of belief in him, saying ahead of the signing: "I can't wait to work with him because he brings a directness and a different element to our offensive options."

Hull are also "working hard" on a deal for Crystal Palace midfielder Malcolm Ebiowei, who had a loan spell at Derby County last season when Rosenior was the Rams' assistant coach.

"He's a really, really good player," said Rosenior.

"I think he's going to go to the top but it's also (a question of) if Crystal Palace want to let him go. I've worked with him, he knows what I think of him."

Hull City transfer news: Aaron Connolly loan signing completed, but Tigers wait to hear if he can play in FA Cup