While Ireland fans have long known about the talents of Troy Parrott, quite a few eyebrows in the world of football were likely to have been raised on the back of the player's exploits in recent days.
His brace against Portugal was one thing, but the hat-trick he scored to lead Ireland to a win over Hungary in Budapest was even more impressive. The AZ Alkmaar man showed a ridiculous amount of composure to score the two goals to power his side to the late comeback, booking their place in the World Cup play-offs as a result.
As a result, some are questioning why Parrott was not given more of an opportunity while coming through at his first professional club.
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Tim Sherwood Makes Troy Parrott Spurs Claim After Ireland Exploits
Troy Parrott joined Tottenham Hotspur as a 15-year old, going on to sign a pro contract with the club a couple of years later. However, first team opportunities were difficult to come by in North London.
The Dubliner would be shipped off on loan to a number of EFL clubs, before eventually signing for AZ Alkmaar on a permanent deal in the summer of 2024. He has since gone from strength to strength in the Netherlands, before now making a major breakthrough at international level.
Speaking on Sky Sports, former Spurs manager Tim Sherwood questioned the club's treatment of Troy Parrott during his time in London, suggesting they have spent vast sums of money on less talented players in recent seasons.
Unfortunately for Troy, he's had to leave Tottenham to do that. I've got a big question for anyone who decided to let Troy Parrott go...
I'm not sure he had a fair opportunity to prove himself, he's had to go to AZ to do that. He's not just all of sudden appeared in these last two games for the Republic of Ireland, he's been banging in goals like you wouldn't believe in Holland.
We know it's an easier platform over there, but he never got the opportunity to show his quality for Tottenham. He never got a fair crack at the whip...
Tottenham have signed players for 60, 50, 40 million playing in Troy's position. I can tell you now, they're not as good as Troy Parrott.
Tottenham should have saved their money, give this kid an opportunity, and spend it elsewhere...
That boy, hopefully from his sake, will come back and haunt them. At the moment he is going the right way about it.
Spurs have spent big on a number of forwards in recent seasons, with the likes of Richarlison, Dominic Solanke, and Matyhs Tel failing to impress at the club despite arriving for substantial fees.
Troy Parrott was given very few first team opportunities at Spurs, while many of his loans spells in the lower leagues were not as successful as had been hoped. He certainly looks like a new player since moving to the continent, with the striker unlikely to have any regrets over how the last few years of his career have played out.
If he keeps scoring goals at his current rate, it won't be long before some big clubs around the continent come calling for his services.