Pellegrini praises Parrott while Collins injury a cause for concern
Irish footballer Troy Parrott is receiving praise from Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini following a high-profile goal against Real Madrid. As Parrott prepares for a Champions League match in Lille, concerns remain regarding an injury to teammate Nathan Collins.
Why it matters
The performance of international players in top-tier European leagues is a major point of interest for national sports culture and fan engagement.
As George Hamilton put it so succinctly in the heat of the moment, “Robbie Brady brings us all to our feet in Lille”. It’s hard to believe that that famous goal – and celebration – to beat Italy at the European Championships is already a decade old.
The roof on the Stade Pierre-Mauroy was closed that night, spiking the decibel levels as Ireland fans celebrated their ticket to a last-16 clash with Euro 2016 hosts France, but also encasing the potent stench of stale beer in the air.
The stadium was already a sweat box before smuggled-in plastic pint glasses and cans took flight left, right and centre from giddy owners, the tepid remnants of said containers raining down on their fellow green-clad supporters (and some reporters’ laptops) who didn’t care a jot amid the euphoria of a moment frozen in time.
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