Troy Parrott sends Czech Republic warning as Ireland striker hits brace against Sparta Prague
The prolific Irish striker reached 30 goals for season while ending European scoring drought in Alkmaar
The city of Prague will be seeing plenty of Troy Parrott over the next fortnight, and on this evidence, the Czech capital should be on high alert.
The Republic of Ireland international delivered a definitive statement of intent on Thursday evening, scoring twice as AZ Alkmaar secured a 2-1 victory over Sparta Prague in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League round-of-16 tie.
Having recently suffered the ignominy of an own goal in a narrow Eredivisie defeat to PSV Eindhoven, Parrott demonstrated impressive mental fortitude to spearhead the Dutch side’s attack.
His performance was one of clinical efficiency that has defined his season, reaching the significant milestone of 30 goals for club and country in the process.
Despite his prolific domestic form in the Netherlands, the former Tottenham striker had entered the match without a goal in seven previous Conference League appearances this term.
That dry spell ended in the 29th minute when he latched onto a pass from Ro-Zangelo Daal, creating just enough space to fire a powerful left-footed strike into the roof of the net.
Clinical finishing sets the stage for a high-stakes return to Prague
Sparta Prague found a way back into the contest early in the second half through Matyas Vojta, and for a long period, it appeared the Czech side would escape with a draw.
However, Parrott intervened again in the 87th minute. After his initial effort was parried, he remained alert to meet a cross from Daal and improvised a clever finish with his quad to restore the lead.
The timing of this brace carries significant weight beyond the immediate context of the Conference League.
Parrott is scheduled to visit Prague twice in the coming days, first for the return leg against Sparta on March 19 at the Epet Arena, and then a week later at the Fortuna Arena for Ireland’s crucial World Cup playoff semi-final against the Czech Republic.
With fellow international striker Evan Ferguson currently sidelined through injury at AS Roma, the responsibility on Parrott’s shoulders has increased.
His ability to punish the Sparta defence serves as a perfectly timed rehearsal for the international stage.
If the 24-year-old striker can maintain this standard of finishing when he returns to the Czech Republic on March 26, Ireland’s hopes of reaching a first World Cup since 2002 will be significantly bolstered.
Parrott has netted 26 goals in 38 games for Alkmaar, half of which have come in 21 Eredivisie clashes.
