Troy Parrott on the double against Czechs in Europe 

AZ Alkmaar will head to Prague next week in control of their tie. 

Ireland's Troy Parrott celebrates with AZ Alkmaar team-mate Sven Mijnans. File Pic: Ed van de Pol/BSR Agency/Getty Images

Troy Parrott started as he means to go on against Czech opposition this month as the Ireland striker grabbed a crucial brace of goals against Sparta Prague at the AFAS Stadion last night. 

The Dubliner's double helped AZ Alkmaar earn a 2-1 win at home to Sparta Prague in the UEFA Conference League Round of 16.

Parrott opened the scoring with a powerful finish to the roof of the net from 10 yards out in the 28th minute. 

Sparta's Matyas Vojta equalised five minutes after the break before the Boys in Green striker snatched the winner in the 87th minute, to ensure AZ have a lead going to Prague next week.

Parrott looked to have been denied by goalkeeper Jakub Surovcík but when the ball was played back into the box, he finished with his thigh from close-range. 

The AZ talisman is expected to lead the line for Ireland in their World Cup qualifier against Czechia in Prague on March 26. Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, who is planning for the tie without the injured Evan Ferguson, will be glad to see Parrott's good scoring form continue.