Republic of Ireland have enjoyed an incredible November international break, having secured back-to-back victories against Portugal and Hungary to clinch Runner-Up spot in Group F - and striker Troy Parrott has been the star of the show.
With a brace in the 2-0 win over Portugal and a stunning hat-trick to secure a last-second 3-2 win against Hungary, the one-time Tottenham youngster has played a fundamental role in taking his country a step towards World Cup 2026 qualification, and his efforts haven't gone unnoticed.
Everton have been Scouting Troy Parrott
Everton boss David Moyes watching on from the touchline
According to Everton News, Everton had scouts in Dublin on Thursday night, and one of the main reasons for their attendance was indeed Parrott. It was the perfect game to see the forward in action; although the match went viral for Cristiano Ronaldo being sent off to the delight of the home crowd, Parrott paved the way for the shock win by scoring twice.
The AZ Alkmaar forward headed home after 17 minutes when Liam Scales put a looping corner back across goal, and then found the net again just before half-time by cutting inside, keeping the defender on his heels and sneaking a daisy-cutter into the near post. Parrott followed that up on Sunday when he completed a hat-trick in the 96th minute by following another Scales header - this time getting a toe onto a loose ball in the six-yard box and poking it beyond the goalkeeper at point-blank range.
It's no surprise that the Toffees have been taking a look at Parrott, because scoring goals has been a massive problem for them this season. David Moyes' side have netted just twelve times in the top flight, ranking them joint-sixth bottom throughout the division. A major contributing factor has been the lack of proficiency among their strike-force; Beto has scored just once in the Premier League, while Thierno Barry is yet to find the net following his summer move from Villarreal.
Parrott's form is a complete contrast to that. The 23-year-old has scored five goals in his last two Ireland games, against decent opposition in Portugal and Hungary, but has also started the season with six goals in as many starts in the Eredivisie.
While there are question marks over whether he could carry on delivering at a consistent rate in the Premier League, having previously struggled to find goals in League One and the Championship, simply being full of confidence could be enough for Parrott to add something new to Everton's attack in the second half of the season.
What's next for Ireland
Ireland celebrate a last minute win over Hungary
By finishing second in their group, Ireland have qualified for the World Cup playoff-round. That round will combine the 12 runners-up from each of the qualification groups and the four best Nations League group winners (based on Nations League rankings) that haven't already qualified.
Those 16 teams will be drawn into four play-off paths, which will involve a semi-final and a final. The process will whittle the teams down to just four, with the winners of each final qualifying for the World Cup alongside the 12 initial qualification group winners.
The draw for the playoffs will be held on November 20th, and the playoffs themselves will be held during the March international break.