After a tricky start to his career in senior football, Troy Parrott's development is now very much back on track.
He struggled during his full debut season at first team level, failing to make much of an impact while on loan at both Millwall and Ipswich Town. His switch to MK Dons last season looked as though it could go in a similar direction, but he would experience a dramatic upturn in form towards the end of 2021.
Parrott has since admitted that a shift in mindset was required in order to make the most of his career, something that immediately paid dividends over the second half of the campaign. From the turn of the year, he would put in some excellent displays and score a number of top class goals to lead MK Dons to the League One play-offs.
His form for Ireland was equally impressive, scoring a brilliant winner against Lithuania in March. He would follow that up with a couple of brilliant performances during the June international window.
Troy Parrott and Michael Obafemi combined for Parrott to ghost in behind the Scottish defence and double Ireland's lead #RTESoccer #IRLSCO #COYBIG
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A key part of the arsenal of Troy Parrott is that he can play in multiple positions. Be it through the middle, as a no. 10, a second striker, or coming off the wing, he can be plugged into the side in a number of roles. That is an important trait to have, but it is also likely that he will look to nail down a more permanent position moving forward.
With the player now back at Spurs, it has become clearer what they want to see from the Irishman as he develops.
Spurs want Troy Parrott to play in a different role next season
The 20-year old has been impressing during pre-season at Spurs, although it remains all but certain that he will be heading out on loan next season. The Championship is the most likely destination, with the likes of Sunderland, QPR, and Preston North End all linked.
One of the decisive factors on where he will end up is what position he will be playing in at the club.
It is being reported by iNews that Spurs have insisted that Troy Parrott must be used as a no. 9 at his next loan club, a role that he has not featured in all that often in recent times.
The Dubliner was used in a deeper position at MK Dons, either as a shadow striker or a more traditional no. 10. He also played out wide at times. Clearly, Tottenham believe his future lies in more advanced areas.
That should not come as a surprise. The player's body has filled out quite a bit over the last 12 months, meaning he should be better able to cope with the physical demands of operating in the box. His finishing ability means he is well capable of taking any chances that fall his way.
Sunderland are the current favourites for his signature, and with the club having just been promoted from League One, you'd imagine that there would be a spot for Parrott in a more central role in their team next season.
Consistent playing time will be paramount to any decision, while Stephen Kenny will also be keen to see how the player copes at a higher level. The Ireland manager is a huge fan of the forward's, who has seen his playing time at international level steadily increase over the last 12 months.
With a pair of UEFA Nations League fixtures set to come in September, Troy Parrott will want to be in the starting lineup for the games against Armenia and Scotland.
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