Hallgrimsson hails 'magical' Parrott as Ireland squander two-goal lead in Austria draw
Parrott lights up the Aviva with solo stunner
Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson was left marvelling at the "magical" ability of in-form striker Troy Parrott after the forward produced a moment of individual brilliance in a 2-2 Uefa Nations League draw with Austria in Dublin.
Having been fed the ball by Adam Idah around 20 yards from goal, Parrott stalled for a second and even gestured for support around him before deciding to go alone. First, he nutmegged Philipp Lienhart, then he sidestepped defensive partner David Affengruber before slotting through goalkeeper Florian Wiegele's legs.
"There aren't many players that can do what he did," Hallgrimsson said, succinctly summarising the brilliance of his striker. It was one of the finest goals scored at the Aviva Stadium, and one the manager believes will be replayed "again and again for many years to come".
Team-mate Jack Moylan's reaction mirrored that of many supporters in the stands after the ball hit the net, with the Cardiff City man standing with his hands on his head in disbelief but with a huge smile that showed his glee after witnessing such a special goal.
A growing catalogue in green
While Parrott's last-gasp winner that completed his hat-trick against Hungary and secured a World Cup play-off in November last year may remain his most memorable goal, there is no doubting that this was the best of an ever-growing catalogue in a green shirt.
Parrott then doubled his and his side's advantage when he kept his cool to tuck home a penalty on the stroke of half-time, taking his tally to 14 goals in 40 caps, with nine of those coming in his last six competitive games.
That looked to have set the Irish on their way to back-to-back wins after he also found the net in the victory against Israel on Sunday, but Austria fought back, scoring shortly before he was substituted on 75 minutes and then finding a second soon after to earn a point.
"It was just a shame it was not a goal that gave us a win but I think you will be watching it anyway for years to come," Hallgrimsson added. The result tainted a fine personal night for Parrott, but given the trajectory he is on, there are set to be many more to come.
Why Parrott came off with a hat-trick in sight
Parrott, who also has two goals and an assist in limited minutes at his new club Real Betis this season, has the chance to continue his nearly year-long hot streak for his country on Sunday as the Republic of Ireland face Israel again, in Serbia, to close a gruelling four-game international break.
Hallgrimsson explained that part of the thinking behind substituting the tiring striker for speedster Chiedozie Ogbene, despite the fact he was on a hat-trick, was to ensure he would be fresh and raring to go again for the game in Backa Topola.
"Absolutely not," Hallgrimsson replied when asked if he regretted bringing Parrott off in Dublin. "He had a few knocks and he was getting tired and we need him in three days. I've always said about Troy, I know he has a special gift going forward and scoring goals but what I always see in him that I don't see in many other attackers is his defensive discipline and hard work.
"I hope he continues to improve, but it is magical for Irish football to have him in a green shirt."
What is at stake on Sunday
Parrott, along with Idah and Moylan — the trio who linked up well again on Thursday — were key in the comfortable 3-0 win against Israel in the first game of the break in Hungary.
Another win against the same opposition would move the Republic of Ireland onto seven points and would give them a good chance of finishing second and securing a place in pot two for the Euro 2028 qualifying draw heading into November's final two games away to Austria and at home to Kosovo.