Kenny hails high-flying match winner Parrott

Stephen Kenny was full of praise for goalscoring hero Troy Parrott who spared his manager's blushes with a last-gasp winner against Lithuania at the Aviva Stadium.

On as a 63rd-minute substitute, Parrott’s presence and ability to run at the Lithuania rearguard gave Ireland a real attacking impetus that was lacking throughout a dour opening half at the Dublin 4 arena.

The MK Dons striker, currently on loan from parent club Tottenham, was heavily involved in one of Ireland’s remarkable four disallowed goals before that winner, playing with much direct intention, which led to a couple of shots at goal in the closing stages, one which drew a top-class save from Lithuania goalkeeper Dziugas Bartkus.

But the young Dubliner kept the best until last. With the five minutes of allocated injury time already elapsed, he latched onto a dropping ball on the edge of the penalty area and showed real composure, quality and control to first, set up the shot, before executing it with power and accuracy with what was essentially the last kick of the game.

"Having had a shot tipped over just before, to get the goal showed two characteristics," said Kenny, speaking about Parrott’s impact in the game.

"One, that he has exceptional technical talent to strike a ball from distance with such venom and brilliant technique; and the second thing is to do it, not when you’re 2-0 up, to do it in the 97th minute when you’re at 0-0."

And while the manager praised his contribution and the winning goal, you got the sense that Kenny was even more impressed by the attitude that the striking prospect showed when he missed out on a starting place, having trained really well all week, as well as bringing fine club form into the international window.

"He hid his