Nathan Collins always believed Troy Parrott could shine on biggest stageBy Damian Spellman, Press Association, PragueNathan Collins always knew Troy Parrott had the potential to be a star as they grew up together in the Republic of Ireland ranks. Collins, 24, told a press conference: “I’ve played with Troy for many years now. That doesn’t take away from being a good footballer, from understanding the game or knowing how good he is. It would be a first appearance on the biggest stage of all since Mick McCarthy took his team to Japan and South Korea 24 years ago. Assistant head coach and much-decorated former Manchester United star John O’Shea, who had just turned 21 at the time, did not make the squad for that adventure and knows from personal experience how infrequently these chances come along.

Source: Irish Independent March 24, 2026 19:08 UTC