Parrott built on his two-goal performance against Portugal on Thursday by scoring a hat-trick in Sunday’s 3–2 win over Hungary in Budapest.
Newstalk Breakfast was joined by Troy Parrott’s former coach at Belvedere FC, Cameron Mulz, as he reflected on the 23-year-old striker’s journey to making Irish football history.
His former mentor recalled Troy’s early years as a young teenager and the hard work that drove him to where he is today.
“It’s fantastic, it's really brilliant,” he said.
Cameron looked back on his first impressions of the young Dubliner during their time at Belvedere.
“Troy was about 13, you could see he had a real chance, he was really talented.”
“He comes from a brilliant background with a brilliant family and his mentality and his attitude is probably what will separate him,” he added.
He highlighted the pressure Parrott faced from an early age.
At 16, Parrott left Belvedere for Tottenham. By 17, he was training with the first team, playing pre-season games alongside Harry Kane, and making both his senior and Premier League debuts.
“For him to forge a career how he has, to stay strong and passionate the way he has, to have confidence in himself… the way he has is full credit to himself.”
Cameron praised Parrott’s natural instincts and intelligence on the pitch.
“That type of striker’s killer instinct, you’re born with it. He always had a gift, but it’s something that has to be protected and nurtured as well.”
He noted that Parrott benefitted from “brilliant coaches” at Belvedere FC who nurtured his talent from a young age.
“He’s got full confidence and belief in himself, that’s a credit to him, that’s not given to you, you have to work on that.”
Reflecting on Parrott’s emotional reaction after the final whistle on Sunday, Cameron reiterated just how much the moment meant to the young footballer.
“It means everything to him, to be a Dublin boy, to be an Irish boy.”
He added that Parrott has overcome numerous obstacles in his career:
“…for him to just constantly keep going, have belief in himself and get those rewards, you could see what it meant to him and his family, and it’s full credit. I’m delighted for him.”
