In Troy we trust!
The Republic of Ireland face a crucial game tonight in Prague as they attempt to qualify for our first World Cup since 2002.
They face Czechia tonight in the first World Cup playoff with the winners set to face Denmark or North Macedonia to decide who goes to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
With key players Josh Cullen and Evan Ferguson injured, the hero of Budapest Troy Parrott is fit and well and will play a key role tonight.
Football in Czechia is in turmoil after a series of police raids on Tuesday morning plunged the country into chaos. Czechia police and Interpol made a series of dawn raids in coordination with the UEFA anti match-fixing unit.
According to media reports, the three year investigation concerns alleged betting corruption in club matches from youth to first-team level. The fallout has been a major distraction for Czechia with the majority of the squad playing domestically.
They also have a new manager in Miroslav Koubek, who is in charge of the Czechia national team after being appointed in December. This is the first game in charge for the 74 year old who has previously managed a number of Czech clubs.
Czechia finished second in Group L, only four points ahead of Faroe Islands who they lost to October. Croatia topped Group L, winning seven of their eight games in a group that included Montenegro and Gibraltar.
Under Koubek, Czechia are likely to play a back 3, which could be similar to Ireland and will go direct to their physical forward line. Their star is Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick who has 9 goals in 21 games for the Bundesliga side this season.
The Republic of Ireland squad includes the recalled Alan Browne, along with five other Cork men. They include Caoimhín Kelleher, John Egan, Jake O’Brien, Chiedozie Ogbene and Adam Idah.
The biggest surprise was the inclusion of QPR’s Harvey Vale who switched his allegiance to Ireland two weeks ago.
Boss Heimir Hallgrimsson has also signed a new contract to remain as Republic of Ireland boss until Euro 2028.
He faces a few big calls when he selects his team for tonight with a number of key players short on recent game time including Seamus Coleman, Ogbene and Robbie Brady.
One guaranteed starter will be Parrott, who Republic of Ireland assistant manager John O’Shea spoke about during the week.
“Troy is reaping the rewards of the practice and dedication he has given to his career over the last few years. That capacity he has for scoring goals, it became a case of knuckling down, doing the work, making sure he stays as fit as possible.
“Then it was about being clever to pick his club. He is playing in Europe as well. He has been very calculated about where he has gone to develop and he is reaping the rewards,” the Waterford man said.