Robbie Keane managed Ferencvaros to victory against AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Europa League last night, and although he wasn't pleased to see he Dutch side make a late rally that nearly stole a draw, he was happy to see Troy Parrott play so well.
Keane was a part of Mick McCarthy's coaching staff in 2019, when a teenage Parrott made his international debut, and his ex coach believes that the young goal-getter is underutilised with Ireland.
Speaking to RTE Sport after the game, the country's all time record goalscorer said that the Dubliner should be playing more for his country.
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"Me personally, I think he should be having more game time with the national team over the last year or two years, if I'm being honest.
"I think he has something different. He's clever, he's difficult to play against because he can go in behind and he can come short. In ways, he's very similar to me.
"The two of us weren't the quickest but we're sharp over 10, 15 yards. And then you see how his brain works on the football pitch."
The high praise didn't stop there, as Keane went into great detail about the promising forward's ability, and even stated that he reminded him of Dimitar Berbatov .
Both Berbatov and Keane formed a famous partnership for Tottenham Hotspur where they scored a lot of goals, and often assisted each other in the process.
The Bulgarian striker is famed for his technical ability, quick brain, and delicate touch, all attributes that Parrott has demonstrated.
"You can see that he's thriving in that team, even with the third goal - the cleverness of the little stepover... it reminded me of myself and Berbatov, actually, the little stepover, leaving it, so he's getting better and better.
"I told him that after the game and before the game. Listen, I'm obviously delighted so see what he's doing.
"I spoke to him before the game, on the pitch. I always go out to the pitch to have a look around and he was there and he came up and we had a good chat for 10 minutes.
"I seen him briefly after the game. I told him great finish, which it was. I thought he was good when he came on. His goal was an incredible finish.
"He looked sharp. He did say he was having some problems with playing twice a week because of the niggle that he has, which I was happy about."
"I can't say I was delighted he scored because I don't want him to score against my team but I'm glad we won and he did score. If he scored and we lost, I'd be absolutely raging. He's doing very well."
Parrott has found a new lease of life since moving to the Dutch league and has become a fan favourite at AZ Alkmaar.
Heimir Hallgrímsson will be hoping that the Irishman's fine form continues, and that he could become a real asset for the national side.
