Troy Parrott inks loan deal with Ipswich Town

Troy Parrott

Ipswich Town have signed young Republic of Ireland star Troy Parrott on loan from Tottenham Hotspur for the remainder of the season

The Dubliner inked a deal at Playford Road this morning, before training with his new teammates including fellow Irishmen,  Alan Judge and Stephen Ward and current U-21 caps Mark McGuinness and Aaron Drinan.

Parrott expressed hope that his new club can push for "promotion spots and I can come in and score some goals."

The 18-year-old striker had been on loan at Millwall for the first half of the season, but was recalled by Spurs two days ago.

He had struggled in recent weeks for Millwall and failed to score in 14 appearances for the Championship outfit.

Parrott made his international debut for the Boys in Green on 14 November 2019, starting in a 3-1 friendly win over New Zealand and providing an assist for Sean Maguire on the night.

He won his second cap in August 2020 in a Nations League game against Bulgaria. Parrot will wear the number 40 shirt during his time at the Tractor Boys.

Parrott said: “I started with a couple of injuries at Millwall so for the first couple of months I was stop, start really.

“But once I got going I enjoyed everything about it. There are good lads there and the manager and the coaching staff did a lot for me.

“So it might not have went as we planned but I learned a lot of stuff there and hopefully I can take that with me.

“Obviously, everyone can see the league table and where Ipswich are and we have a couple of games in hand on some teams.

“Hopefully we can push for the promotion spots and I can come in and score some goals.

“I love a challenge, and I prefer to take the challenge rather than walk away. I am excited to get going.

“I will work hard and hopefully score goals. That is what has got me here where I am today and I don't plan on stopping now.

“I know a few of the players, Alan Judge, Aaron Drinan and Mark McGuiness, from Ireland camps I have been in over the last few years.”

Meanwhile Scottish club Hearts have signed midfielder Aaron McEneff from Shamrock Rovers in a deal worth €180,000. The Edinburgh club are 12 points clear at the top of the Scottish Championship.

Derry native McEneff was also called into Stephen Kenny's Ireland squad before the clash against Bulgaria in November. McEneff said:  "I am 26 years old this summer and I felt it was time for me to test myself at a higher level so when the opportunity to join one of the biggest clubs in Scotland came about it was a chance that really excited me."

Elsewhere Limerick youngster Dara Costelloe has joined Burnley until June 2022. The former Galway United man impressed on trial at Turf Moor. 

And two other young Irish prospects made moves yesterday, with Ireland underage internationals Conor Grant and Conor Shaughnessy joining Brian Barry-Murphy's Rochdale. 

Former Shamrock Rovers man Grant joins the Irish contingent at Spotland from Sheffield Wednesday, boosting Barry-Murphy's midfield options, while former Ireland U21 international defender Shaughnessy joins from Leeds United.