Soccer

Robbie Keane praises Troy Parrott for getting out of his ‘comfort zone’

New Ferencváros manager sees a lot of similarities to himself in the young AZ Alkmaar striker

Troy Parrott celebrates scoring a goal for AZ Alkmaar during match against Roma. Photograph: Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images
Troy Parrott celebrates scoring a goal for AZ Alkmaar during match against Roma. Photograph: Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images
Gavin Cummiskey in Budapest
Wed Jan 29 2025 - 18:09

Troy Parrott turns 23 next week. Since his debut for Tottenham Hotspur back in 2019, the Ireland international’s quest to secure regular European football at AZ Alkmaar and a growing reputation in Dutch football, with 12 goals this season, has rarely been plain sailing.

The Dubliner did manage to maintain a drip-drip of international goals, most recently the winner against Hungary last summer, but loan moves away from Tottenham left him exposed to pitfalls encountered by many Irish players in the English game.

There were not many days to remember at Millwall, Ipswich Town, MK Dons and Preston North End, before he took control of his career by moving to the Netherlands in 2023.

“I have a lot of time for Troy,” said Ferencváros manager, Robbie Keane, before facing AZ in the Europa League on Thursday night. “We are very similar in terms of how we play and also our upbringing.

READ MORE

“I completely respect what he is doing. I know he had a couple of loans, some did okay, but he is playing in Europe and for a really good team.

“You learn a lot more about yourself [at a European club]. When I went to Italy at 19, 20 years of age, even in that short space of time I learned a lot in terms of how to play.

“Look at Troy now, he is still young, still learning his trade. As a young player you have to go on these journeys. Take a few loans. Take a few hits and then go to a club where you feel valued and are the main guy.

“I speak to him a lot,” Keane revealed. “I am always giving him advice. I won’t be giving him any advice tomorrow, I’ll be giving my defenders advice on how to play against him.

“I totally respect him, it shows character, a bit of balls to get out of your comfort zone. I think more people should do it. Just because it is not working for you in England, for example, and maybe it is easy for players because you speak the same language.

[ Robbie Keane: ‘Unfortunately I can’t control what people say’ ]

“People are scared to go abroad because of the language barrier or it’s a new place. Don’t be. Dive into it. You never know.

“Look at Troy. I can see him going again to a top team in the next few years.”

For now, Parrott is keeping Mexx Meerdink out of the AZ Alkmaar line-up but the promising Dutch centre forward offers a physicality that could convince coach Maarten Martens to make a change.

“I am convinced there is more to come,” said Martens. “There is a lot of progression to be made, and he is showing this, especially on the physical part, because he has to get used to playing twice, sometimes three times a week.

“On this, he can still approve a lot but his tactical skills are already on a high level. He is a striker, he lives for goals, but he also thinking ‘what is important for the team?’”

Gavin Cummiskey

Gavin Cummiskey

Gavin Cummiskey is The Irish Times' Soccer Correspondent