Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson was left marvelling at Troy Parrott after the striker produced a solo goal of rare quality in a 2-2 Uefa Nations League draw with Austria in Dublin.
Parrott’s first goal came after Adam Idah fed him around 20 yards from goal. For a moment Parrott stalled and even gestured for support around him, before deciding to go it alone. He nutmegged Philipp Lienhart, sidestepped his defensive partner David Affengruber and then beat goalkeeper Florian Wiegele by slotting the ball through his legs. The finish was a reminder of why Real Betis moved for him in the summer, and team-mate Jack Moylan reacted with his hands on his head, smiling in disbelief at what he had just seen.
Hallgrimsson was succinct in his praise. He said there are not many players who can do what Parrott did, and added that the goal will be replayed ‘again and again for many years to come’. The manager’s only regret was that such a moment did not deliver a win: ‘It was just a shame it was not a goal that gave us a win but I think you will be watching it anyway for years to come,’ he said.
Parrott doubled Ireland’s advantage on the stroke of half-time, keeping his cool from the penalty spot. It took his international tally to 14 goals in 40 caps, with nine of those goals arriving in his last six competitive games. That looked to have put Ireland on course for back-to-back wins after Parrott had also found the net in a victory over Israel, but Austria responded.
Austria scored shortly before Parrott was substituted in the 75th minute, and then found an equaliser soon after. Hallgrimsson brought on speedster Chiedozie Ogbene for the tiring Parrott, even though the striker was on a hat-trick. Asked whether he regretted the change, Hallgrimsson said ‘Absolutely not’, explaining that Parrott had a few knocks and was getting tired, and that Ireland need him in three days.
Hallgrimsson also highlighted a part of Parrott’s game that he values beyond the goals. He said that while Parrott has a special gift going forward and scoring goals, what he always sees in him that he does not see in many other attackers is his defensive discipline and hard work. ‘I hope he continues to improve, but it is magical for Irish football to have him in a green shirt,’ Hallgrimsson added.
Parrott now has the chance to continue a nearly year-long hot streak for his country when Republic of Ireland face Israel again on Sunday in Serbia, in Backa Topola, to close a gruelling four-game international break. He has also scored two goals and provided an assist in limited minutes at his new club Betis this season. Along with Idah and Moylan, Parrott was key in the 3-0 win over Israel in the first game in Hungary.
Another win against the same opposition would move Republic of Ireland onto seven points and give them a good chance of finishing second and securing a place in pot two for the Euro 2028 qualifying draw heading into November’s final two games away to Austria and at home to Kosovo.