35-year-old Irish international Glenn Whelan had demanded that the press play down the pressure being heaped on Tottenham prospect Troy Parrott.
Speaking to The Irish Mirror, the Hearts midfielder, who has represented Ireland 90 times, spoke out against journalists and the press who are seemingly pilling on high expectations of the 17-year-old Spurs striker, who this month made his Republic of Ireland debut against New Zealand.
As stats from Transfermarkt show, Parrott has made just one first-team start for Tottenham this season, playing in Spurs’ 0-0 draw against Colchester United in the League Cup, yet despite a lack of first-team football, the teenage attacker has seemingly been hailed as the next big thing for Ireland and has drawn comparisons to Robbie Keane.
Will Parrott be able to break into the first-team?YesNo |
Whelan told The Irish Mirror: “You guys and everyone need to let him get on with his football because he’s only 17 and don’t put too much pressure on him. Don’t be comparing him to Robbie (Keane) let him be Troy. Because there is a player there and let him go on and be Robbie. But for now, let him grow up.”
Indeed, it is understandable as to why pressure has been heaped on Parrott at such a young age to succeed at international level after an impressive start to life for Ireland after claiming an assist against New Zealand.
After losing Declan Rice to England last season and Jack Grealish in a similar situation in 2015, Ireland are in need of a talented youngster that can be viewed by supporters as the next great hope for the nation in football, and for Parrott, who is often involved with the Tottenham first-team, he has been seemingly chosen as the player to carry that burden.
There is no doubt that Parrott could go on to be a great player for both club and country, but Whelan is right when he says that the 17-year-old striker needs to remain focused on improving his game and needs to avoid being distracted by some of the claims being pinned on him in recent weeks.