'He is ready to play': Pellegrini says Troy Parrott could make Real Betis debut against Valencia

Troy Parrott (Real Betis)

Troy Parrott could make his debut for Real Betis on Tuesday night as the Republic of Ireland international has been included in the squad for their trip to Valencia.

The 24-year-old completed his €20million switch from AZ Alkmaar to the La Liga side last week although he didn’t join in time to take part in their 1-0 win over Real Sociedad on Friday.

But speaking during his press conference on Monday morning, Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini confirmed that Parrott may feature at the Mestalla having joined the squad for training.

“Troy has not been working with us for a long time,” said the former Manchester City manager, who also warned the Dubliner that he has competition for his place in the starting eleven.

“He joined us only a day before the last game. But he has been working hard and he is on the list because he is ready to play.

“He is a player who has an important challenge in front of him, to make a leap in his career.

“He has many attributes to do it. He is not only a number nine. I hope he is an important reinforcement because there are many games to play.

“He has to adapt to the different ways we have offensively but I think that, in football, his is the position that has the least tactical influence.

“He’s a good goalscorer, he knows how to find space and is a good player. He has that instinct for the ball and I think he’s going to do well.”

Parrott will become the 11th Irishman to play in La Liga once he makes his debut for the Seville club.