An opportunity opens up for Troy Parrott’s to explore in Excelsior
An opportunity opens up for Troy Parrott’s to explore in Excelsior
Having taken Southampton back to the Premier League last month, Will Smallbone started the summer
by leading the Republic of Ireland back to winning ways.
With an injury-hit home squad missing a number of first choice regulars, Euro 2024 bound
Hungary were trounced 2-1 in what was a poor match.
Adam Idah’s first half opener was the Boys in Green first goal since November 2023 on their way to
handing their opponents a first loss in 14 matches.
Troy Parrott’s injury time winner then earned interim-boss John O’Shea his first victory at the third time of asking.
“Last year, we had some good performances. But didn’t get them over the line in terms of a result.
But tonight was massive for us to push it over the line against a great team who are going to the Euros.
It’s a fantastic (home) campaign for us” beamed man of the match Smallbone after the triumph.
Despite it being an end of season friendly, it was a fiery affair with some strong tackles being put in by both countries.
There were no less than 26 fouls and five yellow cards shown in the second quarter.
“There’s no such word as a friendly when it comes to representing your country. Every game is as big as the next one.
I’m really delighted we put in a nice performance and earned a favorable result” explained the 24-year-old who
was winning his eighth international cap.
“Doc (Matt Doherty) played me down the (right) line. And I believed as long as it beat the first man,
I thought it’s got a chance to go to Adam. And he did the rest with a superb header.”
After a difficult season at club level with the Saints that saw them overcome Leeds United at Wembley,
Smallbone’s match fitness stood to him.
“It’s been a long season for me personally. I’ve played a lot of games which I’ve been extremely satisfied with.
And another one tonight. I am really glad to come in and put in a positive performance to assist the lads gain the win.”
Meanwhile, match-winner Troy Parrott continued his flying scoring form for Excelsior in
Holland by securing the victory with his fifth international goal.
But the Tottenham striker acknowledged “Before this season (scoring goals) had been difficult to come by for me.
It’s one area I kind of struggled a bit. To see all the hard work paying off
The 22-year-old Dubliner bagged two hat-trick in three play-off games before hooking up with the Irish group.
The striker said of his loan move to the Rotterdam team, “I’ve loved it.” It’s really benefited me, I believe.
It’s given me the opportunity to play football in a different way. I think it works for me, and I’ve benefited from it.
Anticipating his potential future with the Spurs, “I think it’s too early and hard to say now,” Parrott remarked.
My past few days have been really busy, since I went right from club to international.
My only goals are to win the match against Portugal, take a vacation, and move on.
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