Ex-Preston North End and Millwall man reduced to tears after inspiring 'fairy-tale' with Ireland
It has been an incredible few days on the international stage for PNE’s former striker
Ex-Preston North End striker Troy Parrott was overcome with emotion after firing Ireland into the World Cup play-offs.
Just three days after his brace inspired a shock home win over Portugal, the 23-year-old scored a hat-trick - including a 96th minute winner - as Ireland won 3-2 in Hungary. The result, in the final Group F game, saw Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side leapfrog into second place and leave themselves one result away from next summer’s tournament.
North End’s former loan man - now a regular goalscorer for AZ Alkmaar - equalised from the penalty spot on 15 minutes after Hungary took the lead on three. The hosts made it 2-1 not long before half time but Parrott levelled with 80 minutes gone, and then poked home deep into injury time to spark wild scenes on the pitch.
Post-match, the forward let out tears and told RTE Sport: "Yeah, I am really, really emotional right now. They are tears of joy. Oh, what a night, what a night. I can't believe it, I really can't believe it. This is why we love football because things like this can happen. I love where I am from so this means the world to me; my family is here.
“It's the first time I have cried in years as well. I said against Portugal that it's what dreams are made of but this tonight, I don't think I will ever have a better night in my whole life. That really is a fairytale. You can't even dream about something like that. I honestly have no words to describe the emotions right now.
“I think everyone wrote us off at the start of the group. I couldn't have said it enough, that there is always a chance... and we have taken the chance. I think everyone should be proud of the players over there. To go down in the game twice and come back like that, it's beautiful."
Troy’s talent was evident
While on loan at PNE from Tottenham Hotspur the goals didn’t exactly flow for Parrott - four in 34 outings. He suffered a horrible hamstring injury which ruled him out for around four months as well. Parrott’s contribution wasn’t lost on his team mates, though. The versatile forward worked his socks off whenever he pulled on the shirt.
His technical ability and football brain was also very apparent - the Irishman complimented Tom Cannon nicely in attack and linked a lot of PNE’s attacking play together. Parrott also played the game at a high intensity; relishing the opportunity to get after the ball, close down defenders and launch counter attacks.
There were absolutely glimpses into the striker he could become. Away at Swansea City in late April, Parrott’s lofted finish for his final North End goal was pure quality. His focus, drive and appetite for the game always came across in the media. It’s no great surprise to see the strides he has made in recent years. Total credit to him for that.