"There aren't many players that can do what he did." Heimir Hallgrimsson did not need long to sum up Troy Parrott's first goal against Austria, and he was still enthusiastic afterwards. Ireland drew 2-2 in Dublin in the Nations League, but the manager's mind was on a solo effort he reckons will be replayed "again and again for many years to come".
The goal started with a pass from Adam Idah, around 20 yards out. Parrott held the ball for a second, even gestured for support, and then decided he did not need any. He nutmegged Philipp Lienhart, sidestepped David Affengruber and slotted the ball through the legs of goalkeeper Florian Wiegele. Jack Moylan, the Cardiff City midfielder, stood with both hands on his head and a huge grin. A lot of the Aviva Stadium looked the same.
Nine goals in six games
Parrott added a penalty on the stroke of half-time, taking his tally to 14 goals in 40 caps, nine of them in his last six competitive games. He had also scored when Ireland beat Israel 3-0 in the first game of this window. His last-gasp winner that completed a hat-trick against Hungary last year sent Ireland into a World Cup play-off and may stay his most memorable goal. This one, BBC Sport wrote, was the best of an ever-growing catalogue in a green shirt.
He now plays for Real Betis, who paid big money for him in the summer. In limited minutes he has two goals and an assist for the club this season, so the form has travelled.
The draw that spoiled it
Ireland led 2-0 and looked on course for back-to-back wins. Then Austria hit back, scoring shortly before Parrott was substituted on 75 minutes and finding a second soon after to take a point. Hallgrimsson took Parrott off for Chiedozie Ogbene even though the striker was on a hat-trick, and he defended it. Parrott had a few knocks and was tiring, he said, and "we need him in three days".
Asked whether he regretted it, the manager answered with a flat "Absolutely not". He spoke warmly about the player's defensive work too, saying that discipline and hard work are what he does not see in many other attackers. "It is magical for Irish football to have him in a green shirt," Hallgrimsson said.
What Sunday is worth
Ireland face Israel again on Sunday in Backa Topola, Serbia, to close a long four-game international window. A win would put them on seven points and give them a good chance of finishing second and securing a place in pot two for the Euro 2028 qualifying draw. The final two games come in November, away to Austria and at home to Kosovo. If Parrott keeps this up he will be the first name on the sheet for all of them.
Match facts: Republic of Ireland 2-2 Austria, UEFA Nations League, Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Thursday 1 October 2026. Parrott scored twice, including a penalty on the stroke of half-time; Austria scored shortly before and then soon after he was replaced on 75 minutes. Parrott: 14 goals in 40 caps. Next: Israel v Republic of Ireland, Sunday in Backa Topola. Source reporting: BBC Sport.
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