Ireland Under-21 boss Stephen Kenny has been boosted ahead of tonight’s crunch Euro qualifier against Sweden with the addition of striker Troy Parrott.

The Tottenham Hotspur striker was left on the bench in last night’s 1-1 draw for the seniors against Denmark last night, freeing the 17-year-old to re-join Kenny’s cause.

Parrott has bagged three goals in three Under-21 games and his return to the fold is a major plus for the meeting with the second seeds.

Ireland are well on their way to a first-ever major tournament by topping their 2021 European Championship qualifying group and Kenny admits a second victory of the campaign over the Swedes would be significant.

After trailing to Roland Nilsson’s side in Kalmar eight weeks ago, the introduction of Parrott ignited a 3-1 comeback victory.

He bagged a brace, only to be controversially sent off in his next outing, the stalemate against top seeds Italy.

Ireland are back at Tallaght tonight before another bumper crowd. Kick off is at 8pm.

They will have only three of their 10 qualifiers left following this fixture, with Kenny’s competitive duties in the role finishing after the double-header at home to Iceland and away to Luxembourg.

Those games are on March 26 and 29, the same dates are the play-offs for the senior Euros.

Online Editors