Ireland striker Troy Parrott scores four goals for AZ Alkmaar in rout of SC Heerenveen

Republic of Ireland international Troy Parrott banged in four goals for AZ Alkmaar as they routed SC Heerenveen 9-1 in their Eredivisie clash on Saturday evening.

Parrott put the home side 2-1 ahead in the 23rd minute, a lead they held until half-time.

After the break, the Dubliner went into overdrive, scoring three more times in the first eight minutes of the second period to leave his side 5-1 to the good and end the game as a contest.

Alkmaar managed to find the net four more times before the final whistle eventually put a stunned Heerenveen out of their misery.

The 23-times capped Parrott was in Heimir Hallgrimsson's squad for the double-header against England and Greece but failed to get any time on the pitch as Ireland lost both games 2-0.

The 9-1 win leaves AZ Alkmaar second in the table, two points behind PSV Eindhoven who have won five out of five to start the season.

Unbeaten Alkmaar have won four and drawn one of their opening five games.

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