Parrott and Ferguson could both start Prague play-off, insists Hallgrímsson 

The Ireland boss had an in-depth, exclusive conversation with Irish Examiner soccer correspondent John Fallon.

Irish Examiner’s John Fallon and Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson pictured at Fota hotel. Picture: Chani Anderson/Irish Examiner

Troy Parrott and Evan Ferguson can be accommodated in Ireland’s team for the World Cup playoff, insists Heimir Hallgrímsson.

In an exclusive interview with the Irish Examiner , the manager confirmed he has no concerns about Ferguson’s availability, despite him missing the last two AS Roma games due to the recurrence of an ankle injury.

Ferguson had scored in three of Ireland’s opening four World Cup qualifiers but that ankle knock ensured Parrott got the nod up front.

He produced the necessary firepower against Portugal and Hungary, scoring all five goals in the 2-0 and 3-2 wins that pinched runners-up spot at the death.

Next up is Czechia in Prague on March 26. They’ll be playing for a shootout against either Denmark or North Macedonia five days later for a World Cup berth.

“I know people have different opinions on it but I can see them both in the same team from the start,” said Hallgrímsson, noting he’s paired the duo previously for Ireland.

“We’ll need to tweak our tactics because it will be a tough away game in Czechia. Whether we play one or two strikers, or one out of position, it’s a good option for us to choose.

“I’ve played a two-striker system for a long time and I like that.” 

Meanwhile, Hallgrímsson has confirmed that Corkman Alan Browne is in line for a recall following 16 months in the wilderness.

“We’ve seen Brownie in two Middlesbrough games live,” he revealed about the player on loan from Sunderland. “He’s done really well actually as a right back but drifts inside the pitch, scoring goals and assisting. He’s in a good moment.

“We need to find a replacement because Josh [Cullen] was always a first-choice midfielder. It will be tough to fill his shoes so we need to be spot-on to find the replacement.” 

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