Republic of Ireland v Qatar (Thursday, Aviva Stadium, 7.45pm)
TROY Parrott is fit to lead the Republic of Ireland attack against World Cup-bound Qatar at the Aviva Stadium.
Parrott missed AZ Alkmaar’s final league game but he trained with the Republic at Abbotstown on Wednesday and manager Heimir Hallgrimsson is confident that his in-form frontman will win his 36th cap against the Qataris who qualified for the tournament for this time after hosting it in 2022.
Ireland are without Middlesbrough duo Alan Browne and Alex Gilbert, Southampton’s Finn Azaz and Ryan Manning and Strasbourg defender Andrew Omobamidele.
“We’re just happy with the players we have, we’re trying to focus on those that we are working with, not those who are not here,” said Hallgrimsson whose squad goes on to play Canada in Montreal on June 6.
“It just gives opportunities for those who are in and it’s our job to work with those players. So we’re just focusing on them, we’re not thinking about those who couldn’t come for one reason or another.”
Hallgrimsson will field an experienced line-up against Qatar before trying out some new talent against World Cup joint hosts Canada. The Ireland manager will hope the fresh faces put pressure on the players who opted out.
“That’s the negative side of not coming, being injured, you give others an opportunity to play and shine,” he said.
“In Spain, the likes of Jack Moylan (hat-trick against Grenada) coming in, grabbing his opportunity now, and getting another chance to impress, that’s football, it’s about moments, being ready when the opportunity comes.”