Troy Parrott continues to shine for AZ Alkmaar as he nets 15th goal of season

ANOTHER GOAL: Troy Parrott of AZ Alkmaar scored again. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile.

Troy Parrott continues to fire in the goals for AZ Alkmaar as he netted his 15th goal of the season in their 2-2 draw at home to Go Ahead Eagles on Sunday.

Although in the end it proved to be two points dropped for AZ, who are now 15 points adrift of Feyenoord at the top of the Eredivisie, Parrott continues to shine with eight of those strikes coming in the Dutch top flight.

His 31st minute header got AZ back on level terms before his work rate led to Mats Deijl scoring an own-goal nine minutes later. Overall the forward has scored 20 goals so far this campaign, with his 15 finishes for AZ coupled with his five memorable goals for the Republic of Ireland in the last international break.

Elsewhere on Sunday Evan Ferguson couldn't prevent AS Roma from suffering a 1-0 defeat away to Cagliari in Serie A.

Ferguson was introduced just past the hour but an earlier red card for Mehmet Celik in the second half left them unable to prevent Gianluca Gaetano's late winner.

The loss denied Roma the chance to narrow the gap to leaders Inter Milan, leaving them fourth on 27 points. Leaders Inter are on 30 points after their 4-0 win over Como on Saturday.

Speaking ahead of the match, his manager Gian Piero Gasperini discussed the Bettystown native's future in the Italian capital.

“Ferguson’s future? I’ve never talked about it, I don’t know if the agent has," said Gasperini.

"I’ll talk about it with the club in January, if necessary. It always happens these days that there’s a lot of talk about players, then maybe one comes in, scores two goals, and changes everything.

"Or maybe he plays two or three high-quality games and the assessments change.

"I think it’s too early: there are so many games that can completely change the strategies.”

Also on Saturday, Finn Azaz continued his excellent recent form as he scored a goal and produced an assist in Southampton’s 3-1 win over Birmingham.

His superb strike from the edge of the penalty area proved to be the sixth time he has found the net in his last five games.