Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson has been dealt a blow, with in-form attacker Troy Parrott ruled out of the crucial upcoming World Cup qualifier double-header against Hungary and Armenia.
Parrott has been in great form for AZ Alkmaar, scoring ten goals in seven games so far this season.
However, his club boss Maarten Martens said on Friday that he will not be released for international duty as he continues to recover from an unspecified injury sustained in training last Tuesday.
Parrott was absent for AZ's 4-1 Conference League defeat of Levski Sofia on Thursday, and though Martens was unable to put a timeframe on when the Dubliner will return, he told reporters "he will not go to the Irish team next week".
Parrott was included in Hallgrimsson's squad for the clashes against Hungary at Aviva Stadium on Saturday, 6 September, and Armenia in Yerevan on Tuesday, 9 September.
"Troy has been on fire from pre-season and last season as well, so it's a good step for him," Hallgrimsson said earlier this week when asked about the forward's club form.
"I know there was a lot of interest in him but he wanted to stay (at AZ). I really like that as he needs stability and if he continues like this, it's really good for us."
