Troy Parrott joins Preston on loan in move that increases Championship club’s Irish offering

Troy Parrott is joining an interesting Irish cohort at Preston North End after Tottenham Hotspur agreed to a season-long loan for the 20-year-old.

By signing Brazilian centre forward Richarlison from Everton for £52.5 million, Spurs made it clear who would be competing with or playing alongside England captain Harry Kane. It is Parrott’s fourth loan deal since his Premier League debut as a 17-year-old in 2019 under former Tottenham manager José Mourinho.

A difficult three years have followed with the Dubliner struggling at Millwall and Ipswich Town before an impressive stint in League One last season when he scored 10 goals for MK Dons.

[ For Kenny’s Ireland, EFL Championship is the new Premier League ]

“I’m buzzing to get going, to come in and see the place, meet the lads and get going really,” Parrott told Preston’s club website.

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“I spoke to the manager first of all. I like the sound of how the team wants to play, they want to create a lot of chances which for me is a no-brainer really, and obviously the Irish boys here also helps. I’ve been speaking to Browney (Alan Browne) and Robbie (Brady) and just asking what it’s like around the place and they’ve had nothing but good things to say, so I’m happy to be here.”

Since June 2021, however, Parrott has become an increasingly important member of the Republic of Ireland senior squad, with four crucial goals against Andorra, Lithuania, and Scotland in June, when he forged an attacking partnership with Michael Obafemi in the 3-0 win.

Current Spurs coach Antonio Conte, having watched Parrott on the club’s summer tour of Korea, is keen for him to develop as a number nine, and it is believed that Preston are seeking a striker after the club registered only 52 goals in 46 Championship matches last season.

Robbie Brady is also attempting to relaunch his injury-ravaged career at Deepdale, having been released by Bournemouth, and with Alan Browne the club captain, Parrott can expect regular visits from Stephen Kenny’s management. Sean Maguire and Greg Cunningham are the other Irish players in Ryan Lowe’s squad.

Lowe told the club’s website: “Troy’s one I’ve monitored for some time; he had a fantastic season last year for MK Dons.

“I watched him play for Ireland against Scotland in the summer when he scored a fantastic goal in the Nations League. His work ethic is fantastic, his holdup play is very good for the style he is, but ultimately we want Troy to score goals for us.

“We’ve beaten some fantastic competition to get him. I think we sold it to him with the style of play, the identity and what we want to achieve, and probably a little bit of help from a few of the Irish boys as well. I’m really pleased to get him on board, he’s going to be a fantastic addition.”

Parrott will compete for minutes with Maguire, Ched Evans and Emil Riis as Preston open their campaign away to Wigan Athletic on Saturday, where James McClean and Will Keane are expected to feature for the Latics.