CRAWFORD PINS HOPE ON PARROTT
JIM CRAWFORD will rely on Troy Parrott’s cameo roles to rescue Ireland’s under- 21 Euro qualification mission.
The Tottenham striker was yesterday named in the 24- man squad for the must- win concluding qualifiers against Iceland tomorrow week in Tallaght and in Luxembourg three days later.
Parrott ( 18) hasn’t kicked a ball since late September when he sustained ankle ligament damage on his one and only outing for Millwall in the Carabao Cup against Burnley.
Although Lions boss Gary Rowett has reservations about the senior international linking up with the under- 21s on Tuesday, Crawford will broker an agreement about Parrott’s game- time.
The Dubliner bagged a brace when sprung from the bench in the 4- 1 win over Sweden 13 months ago and may feature again as an impact substitute.
“Common sense would say that Troy won’t be able for 90 minutes in either match,” admitted Crawford ( inset).
“There’s no way you can put a load like that on a player that hasn’t featured for a while. We’re not going to put anyone at risk.
“He could be an impact sub but, if he’s able for 45 minutes, could we start him and just give him the half?
“I’ll be involved in talks with our medical team and Millwall’s about what’s best.
“I’ve spoken to Troy and he’s eager to represent his country. What he does Troy bring is a unique talent for scoring goals.”
Goalkeepers: G Bazunu ( Rochdale, on loan from Man City), E Mcginty ( Sligo Rovers)
DEFENDERS: N Collins ( Stoke), D Leahy ( Dundalk), Conor Masterson ( QPR), M Mcguinness ( Ipswich, on loan from Arsenal), D Mcnamara ( St Johnstone, on loan from Millwall), L O’connor ( Tranmere, on loan from Celtic), T O’connor ( Gillingham, on loan from Southampton), L Scales ( Shamrock Rovers) MIDFIELDERS: C Coventry ( West Ham), L Connell ( Celtic), W Ferry ( Southampton), J Knight ( Derby), D Mandroiu ( Bohs), C Ronan ( Grasshopper Zurich, on loan from Wolves), A Scully ( Lincoln), J Taylor ( Peterborough)
ATTACKERS: J Afolabi ( Dundee, on loan from Celtic), Z Elbouzedi ( Lincolm), D Grant ( Bohs), J Kayode ( Carlisle on loan from Rotherham), M Obafemi ( Southampton), T Parrott ( Millwall, on loan from Tottenham).