Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy has insisted that he does not have any problem with Jose Mourinho’s unwillingness to hand striker Troy Parrott an opportunity to feature regularly.
Parrott is highly rated back in his home country and has already made his senior debut for the national side in the 3-1 win over New Zealand in October.
Despite the lack of attacking options available to Mourinho at Spurs due to the injuries to Harry Kane and Heung-min Son, the Portuguese coach has so far maintained that the youngster is not ready for first-team football (Evening Standard).
The 18-year-old did come off the bench during last night’s FA Cup defeat to Norwich, missing a penalty in the shootout.
McCarthy admitted that Parrott had little chance of being involved in the crucial Euro 2020 play-off semi-final against Slovakia later this month but he insisted that he respected the Spurs head coach’s decision.
Speaking to RTE, McCarthy said: “I wouldn’t comment on anyone else’s players. I think Jose is one of the best managers that’s been around for a very long time,”
“And if he doesn’t want to play him, I’m not going to argue with him. Jose is a top man, he picks his own players.
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“He’s had what, five minutes as a sub? That would really get him ready for the Slovakia game wouldn’t it?”
The former Wolves boss did reveal however that it would have been beneficial for the teenager’s development to have gone out on loan in January.
He added: “If he had gone out on loan it would have benefited them long term because I think he’s ready for that.
“But again, they are not my decisions to make. It would have benefited Troy but it just didn’t work out.”
Spurs Web Opinion
I believe Tottenham would have let Parrott leave on loan if not for the bizarre UEFA rule regarding having to complete two years at a club in order to qualify as ‘homegrown’. I expect the youngster to be loaned out to a Championship club next campaign. Hopefully, he will get some games under his belt and prove why he is rated so highly by many at the club.
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