'Troy has been on fire': Hallgrimsson thrilled by Parrott and Ferguson form
Ireland face Hungary on September 6 and Armenia on September 9 in their opening World Cup qualifiers. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Heimir Hallgrimsson believes his in-form continental strikeforce of Troy Parrott and Evan Ferguson can bolster Ireland’s World Cup qualification prospects.
AZ Alkmaar forward Parrott has brought last season’s form into this term by hitting 10 goals already.
Ferguson left the goldfish bowl of England too recently, making an impressive Serie A debut in Roma’s win over Bologna on Saturday.
Ireland are seeking to end a decade-long tournament drought and a 22-year wait for a World Cup appearance by emerging from a group containing Portugal, Hungary and Armenia.
Dominik Szoboszlai brings his Magyars side to Lansdowne Road on Saturday week before Ireland resume competition with the Armenians three days later in Yerevan.
Ferguson and Parrott both found the net in Hallgrimsson’s first campaign at the helm, last year’s Uefa Nations League series that yielded a third-placed finish.
Whether they play together or separately remains to be seen but the Icelander has done his best to accommodate both as a partnership.
“Troy has been on fire,” summarised the Ireland boss, as he unveiled a 23-man squad for the two games.
“I know there were a lot of clubs interested in him over the summer but he wanted to stay at Alkmaar and I like that. He needs stability.”
Hallgrimsson was in unison with Irish fans by watching Ferguson’s debut at the Stadio Olimpico from afar. Seeing his 20-year-old striker sporting a smile on his face after a frustrating time at Brighton and Hove Albion, followed by a loan to West Ham, was heartening.
“My first impressions were really good,” he said. “ Looking at him in pictures, he even seems fitter and looks great without sleeves.
“His first game was brilliant. It's tough for a striker to play in Italy. There's not a lot of spaces, up against physical defenders, and he coped with it really well.
“I hope he'll bring that into our camp.”
Hallgrimsson also confirmed that former England youth cap Louie Barry is available for selection. He has played three times for Sheffield United since joining on loan from Aston Villa.
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