If Goodwin is determined to play the 3/5 at the back, the width is going to be provided by the wing backs so unless Connolly has the defensive capabilities to play that role I'm not seeing where he fits into that formation. It seems odd bringing him in if JG always had the wing back plan at the back of his mind unless he thought he could do that role but training has shown otherwise. Alternatively JG might see him as something other than a wide player in which case he can't be showing much if the likes of Cammy are getting the attacking support slot ahead of him.
I think you could make a case for Connolly slotting in instead of McGrath in that line-up. We were basically playing a 3-6-1 on Friday - I was genuinely surprised to see how advanced Tait and Mason were, and it made a real difference.
But I've gone a bit cold on McGrath, tbh. He's just not quite doing it. He's tidy enough in possession but he's creating little to nothing, and it's not like he's popping up on the edge of the box, Dorman-style.
While it wouldn't be a pure wide role, I think giving Connolly that free role to play off the striker could work, based on what I've seen of him. His pace means he would either force defences back, creating space for others to get forward from midfield, or he would have room in behind if they push up.
I honestly would be looking for any way I could to get him in the team, even if he just runs himself ragged for an hour.