Leeds United-linked forward Troy Parrott starred on a dramatic night for the Republic of Ireland as he scored a hat-trick in Hungary.
Troy Parrott is Ireland’s new hero after an incredible international break, which saw him score five goals in two games to rescue his nation’s World Cup hopes.
Leeds United scouts were in attendance as Parrott scored twice to consign Portugal to defeat in Dublin, as Cristiano Ronaldo saw red.
Now, the AZ Alkmaar striker has gone one better, scoring a dramatic hat-trick, including a stoppage-time winner as Ireland secured their place in the World Cup play-offs in the dying moments of the game.
Daniel Farke is in desperate need of a striker to bolster his side’s Premier League survival hopes, and Parrott may have fired his way into contention. Speaking after the game, he was visibly emotional as he hailed a “dream night” with his national side.
Leeds United-linked Troy Parrott is the hero for Ireland
Speaking to RTE Sport immediately after the final whistle at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Parrott declared that he had just experienced the best night of his life.
The official Republic of Ireland X (formerly Twitter) account declared that the forward has entered the ‘pantheon of Irish greats’, and, according to Parrott, he was in tears at the final whistle after his smart finish at the near post handed Ireland all three points.
Parrott said: “I am really emotional right now. What a night. This is why we love football; things like this can happen.
“I love where I am from, and it means the world to me. My family are here, and this is the first time I have cried in years! I really can’t believe it.
He added: “I said against Portugal that this is what dreams are made of, but I think tonight, I will never have a better night in my whole life. It is a fairytale. You can’t even dream about something like that. I have no words to describe the emotions right now.”
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AZ Alkmaar striker Troy Parrott continues incredible scoring season
Parrott’s hat-trick against Portugal is the latest stellar performance in a prolific season for both club and country.
Heading into this international break, Parrott had scored just five goals for his country in 32 appearances, which he has now doubled in the last two games.
Overall, this season, Parrott has now scored 18 goals in all competitions, with 13 goals in 14 games for Alkmaar and five goals in five games for Ireland.
Having failed to break into the Premier League in a previous stint with Tottenham, Parrott is doing everything he can to fire his way into a move to Elland Road in the January transfer window.
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