'Emotional' Troy Parrott hails 'fairytale' Hungary win as Republic of Ireland seal FIFA World Cup play-off place - 'It means the world to me'

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Troy Parrott experienced arguably the greatest afternoon of his career against Hungary, and stepped up when it truly mattered for the Republic of Ireland. The 23-year-old probably will not score many more important hat-tricks in his career, as Ireland aim to qualify for a first FIFA World Cup since 2002. Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side deserve plenty of plaudits following a superb comeback in Budapest.

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Troy Parrott could scarcely believe what he had achieved after netting a hat-trick in the Republic of Ireland’s stunning 3-2 World Cup qualifying victory over Hungary.

Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side were staring down the barrel of elimination until Parrott completed his treble in stoppage time, as Ireland recovered from 2-1 down to get the three points needed to seal a top-two finish.

Parrott has now scored five goals in his last two international appearances, as his brace in a 2-0 win over Portugal on Thursday gave Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side a fighting chance of qualification in Budapest.

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"I am really emotional right now," Parrott told RTE Sport. "What a night.

"This is why we love football, things like this can happen. I love where I am from, and it means the world to me.

"My family are here, and this is the first time I have cried in years. I really can't believe it.

"I said against Portugal that this is what dreams are made of, but I think tonight, I will never have a better night in my whole life.

"It is a fairytale. You can't even dream about something like that. I have no words to describe the emotions right now."

The former Tottenham Hotspur striker has been in excellent form for AZ Alkmaar, scoring 13 goals in 14 games across all competitions for the Dutch Eredivise side this term.

Parrott’s ability to continue that form at international level has The Boys in Green still dreaming of a first World Cup appearance since 2002.

It is an incredible turnaround following a campaign which began with only one point from their first three World Cup qualifiers, including an embarrassing 2-1 defeat away at Armenia in September.

But three straight wins mean Hallgrimsson’s team can now look forward to the 16-team play-off tournament in March with confidence.

'We put in everything - Hallgrimsson

Hallgrimsson paid tribute to Parrott after the match and for the way in which his side grew into the contest following an inauspicious start.

"It was a strange game," added Hallgrimsson.

"We seemed to be nervous at the beginning, struggling with movements, and defending too late and not aggressive enough.

"We put in everything and threw in three strikers in the end.

"The guys deserved what happened and congratulations to the Irish nation for having the guys."

When speaking about Parrott in more detail, he continued: "He should enjoy this moment.

"Sadly for him, he got injured for a long spell early in the season, or he would have been one of the top scorers, if not the top scorer, in Europe.

"He's just shown his quality.

"This moment shouldn't be about finding heroes; it should be this team, the spirit, unity and hard work this team showed."

All Irish eyes – including those from Northern Ireland – will be on the play-off draw in Zurich on Thursday, November 20.

Michael O’Neill’s men secured a play-off place by virtue of their UEFA Nations League performance after finishing third in Group A behind Germany and Slovakia.

Wales will head into the play-offs regardless of their match against North Macedonia on Tuesday.

Craig Bellamy’s side could still finish second in Group J with victory in their final qualifier, but like Northern Ireland, will head into the play-offs via their Nations League performances if they finish third.

Scotland could also be in the play-offs if they fail to beat Denmark on Tuesday, but will seal top spot in Group C with a win on Tuesday.

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