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

Pellegrini confirmed that Parrott may feature at the Mestalla having joined the squad for training.

Troy Parrott (Real Betis)

Valenica’s famous Mestalla venue is the oldest stadium in La Liga but will mark a new era for visiting Irish striker Troy Parrott on Tuesday night.

Manuel Pellegrini won’t hesitate to vault his €20m recruit into the Real Betis fray as they bid to further improve on last season’s fifth-placed finish.

Only Barcelona, Real Madrid, Villareal and Atlético Madrid outpaced the Green and Whites over the campaign that was rewarded by their qualification for the Champions League proper being drawn this Thursday in Monaco.

Parrott’s move from AZ Alkmaar wasn’t completed in time to participate in their season opening 1-0 win over Real Sociedad on Friday but he’s a confirmed squad member for the trip to the eastern coast of Spain.

Former West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberán and his stalwart defender José Gayà will have planned to curb the threat of one of Europe’s most potent strikers of recent years.

"Parrott is going to help us a lot, and we're going to help him too," said Antony, the Brazilian whose career has been revived since moving from Manchester United 19 months ago.

"We're really eager to make history".

Nobody is expecting Betis to end their 91-year wait for a La Liga title but, with the Irishman leading their line, ambition around the club is being embraced.

“Troy has not been working with us since last week,” ex-Manchester City manager Pellegrini said.

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

The Chilean implored his latest capture to utilise the stage he’s been presented with.

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

“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, 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.