Parrott on Ferguson: 'He’s smashing it right now and that can only help us'

FORWARD THINKING: Republic of Ireland players, from left, Troy Parrott, Michael Obafemi, Adam Idah, Evan Ferguson and Mikey Johnston after a training session at Calista Sports Centre in Antalya, Turkey. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Sat on a plastic seat in a small stand overlooking the pristine Calista training pitch in Turkey, Troy Parrott raises his head with his beady blue eyes glistening when asked about his mentoring role.

Not that long ago he was in Evan Ferguson’s boots, an 18-year-old burdened by the weight of Robbie Keane level expectation to become his heir.