Troy Parrott shows Aaron Connolly and Adam Idah the path to success

There has been no escape from injury, Covid-19, and pressure for Troy Parrott (19), Adam Idah (20), or Aaron Connolly (21) over the last year. But there does, finally, look to be a way out.

Ireland's Troy Parrott celebrates scoring their second goal in the win over Andorra. Picture: INPHO/Sergio Ruiz

The spectre of Robbie Keane continues to linger.

Not just because the Republic of Ireland’s record goal scorer remains on the FAI payroll, despite leaving the senior men’s coaching ticket when Mick McCarthy departed in April of last year.