'Everyone would have took this before the campaign' - Troy Parrott ready for decider in Hungary 

FLYING THE FLAG: Troy Parrott celebrates with his teammates after scoring. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Troy Parrott believes had the Republic of Ireland been told before their World Cup qualification had begun that a victory over Hungary in Budapest would secure a playoff spot, they would have taken it.

Parrott’s first half brace on Thursday night helped Ireland secure the victory they needed against the Portuguese to keep their hopes of reaching a first World Cup since 2002 alive.