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Troy Parrott eyes more chances in green after strong display

Troy Parrott (L) lashes in a low effort against Bulgaria
Troy Parrott (L) lashes in a low effort against Bulgaria

Troy Parrott is hoping for an extended run in the Republic of Ireland team after seizing his chance against Bulgaria on Thursday night.

The AZ Alkmaar attacker led the line well during the 2-1 Nations League play-off win in Plovidiv, particularly in the first half when he dovetailed nicely with Finn Azaz.

His selection left Evan Ferguson on the bench, but Parrott is the man in form; his eye-catching displays in the Netherlands proving too difficult for head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson to ignore.

"I've had to sit on the sidelines for quite a while so to be able to get a chance to play is good," Parrott told RTÉ Sport.

"It's a good feeling to be trusted to go out there and do a job. I'd like to think I did well so we'll see how it goes and on to Sunday (for the second leg).

"I'm just happy. I'm happy off the pitch, I'm happy on the pitch. The results are showing on the pitch so I hope it continues. (Confidence) is a big thing in football, it's a big ting for every footballer. It's about trying to continue the run that I'm on, keep playing well for club and country."

Parrott set up Azaz's equaliser with a lovely cushioned volley. He didn't get on the scoresheet, but the 23-year-old made a valuable contribution on the night as the Boys in Green deservedly came away with a victory.

"I feel like (the first goal) came at a good time for us as well," added Parrott.

"I think we started alright and then they scored a good goal to be fair to them, so it was important for us to bounce back that way.

"I would have liked to score some goals but an assist like that is just as good for me.

"Every win in international football is a good win. Obviously we're not in the position we want to be where we're winning a lot of games and qualifying for tournaments but we have to start somewhere.

"I think we played well in most parts. The pitch didn't really help but I think we controlled the game well, we scored two good goals. There's positives to take into Sunday.

"For us the most important thing is to go out and keep trying to win football matches."


Watch Republic of Ireland v Bulgaria in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday from 7pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app. Listen to live commentary on Radio 1 Extra.

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