Gary Connaughton reporting from the Aviva Stadium
Troy Parrott had himself a night at the Aviva Stadium.
While he perhaps would have been a bit disappointed not to start the game against Lithuania, he more than made his time off the bench count.
The 20-year old would score an incredible late winner, with the scenes at the end of the game showing what a special moment it was for him at this early stage in his career.
WHO DOESN'T LOVE A 96TH MINUTE WINNER STRUCK FROM 30 YARDS OUT?🦜pic.twitter.com/PrwCp1s6CN
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) March 29, 2022
Speaking to members of the media after the game, Troy Parrott said that it was without doubt the best moment of his career so far.
It was incredible, I'm still shaking now. It was honestly one of the best feelings I've had in my life...
When Conor was going to cross the ball I was too far away to get into the box, so I was trying to read where the second ball was going to land. It came straight to me.
It felt like the ball was never going to come down, I had to take two touches before I could get the shot off. I'm over the moon...
As soon it didn't get blocked by the first man that was coming out I had a feeling that it was going towards the goal. To see it hit the back of the net was crazy...
By far (the best moment of his career). To score the winner that late in the Aviva in front of the home fans, maybe a mile or so away from my house, is honestly incredible.
Parrott shows an incredible amount of versatility in his game, playing in three different positions during his 35 minutes or so on the pitch tonight.
While usually a striker coming through the ranks, he has thrived in a slightly deeper role at times this season. The player himself said he is willing to do any job for the team if it means getting some playing time.
It has been a really good week. As I said at that start of the week, I think most of the work comes in training. It's so important for me to train how I play.
All week I feel like I trained the best that I can, you reap the rewards for that...
At this stage of my career it's massively important that I can play in different position so that I'm selected, not just in one preferred position. Luckily I've been blessed with a gift that I can play in those different positions, it gets me on the pitch...
Growing up I was always a striker, that's where I played for most of my career coming up through the academy and stuff like that.
But as I said, I don't mind which of the positions I play. If it gets me on the pitch I'm happy to play anywhere.
A brilliant performance from an excellent young player.
Hopefully we see plenty more moment such as this one from him in an Ireland jersey.
SEE ALSO: Ireland Player Ratings As Troy Parrott Goal Hands Ireland Last Gasp Lithuania Win
