Troy Parrott thriving at AZ Alkmaar as Ireland striker targets World Cup dream

AZ Alkmaar striker Troy Parrott is scoring freely and brimming with confidence ahead of Ireland’s pivotal World Cup play-off

MARKSMAN: Ireland's Troy Parrott celebrates with AZ Alkmaar team-mate Sven Mijnans after their KNVB Beker Cup win over SC Telstar this week. Pic: Ed van de Pol/BSR Agency/Getty Images

From the land where bicycles are king, Ireland have a striker in Troy Parrott freewheeling into the upcoming World Cup play-off.

The Netherlands has become his home away from home for the past two-and-a-half years and the adulation visible at AZ Alkmaar on Wednesday underscored why he resisted offers to move elsewhere.