I Troy to learn from superstars
TROY PARROTT insists he will take any criticism of his game on the chin even after learning from some of the greats.
The Ireland youngster is back in action for loan club Preston North End after suffering a freak hamstring injury in October while celebrating a matchwinning goal.
Parrott, 20, came off the bench in Saturday’s Championship win over Birmingham City and also in the defeat to Norwich City the previous week.
His timely return is good news for Ireland boss Stephen Kenny (inset) ahead of the March friendly with Latvia and the crunch Euro 2024 qualifying opener against France.
But his progress after that injury setback will be briefly halted this weekend as Preston face Tottenham in the FA Cup.
Parrott will have to look on from the Deepdale stands as he is not allowed to face his parent club and said: “I was a bit gutted that I can’t play.
“All I need is game time and minutes and stuff, so to miss out on another week of football is not ideal.”
England star Harry Kane and Son Heung-min could feature in that fourth round clash and Parrott admits he has learned a lot from the Spurs duo
But the Dubliner said it’s not as simple as just trying to replicate their style in his performances.
Parrott said: “It’s not exactly as easy as that, where you take a look at someone and just add it into your own game.
“It’s more the consistency of doing stuff like them – like the consistency of finishing, being in the gym, the professionalism and working on your game.
“That’s what I take away from it and (knowing) it’s not going to happen overnight but to keep chipping away at it and add some of that stuff to my game.”