Troy Parrott wrote himself into Irish sporting folklore last November following his two goals against Portugal which kept Ireland’s dreams alive of qualifying for their first men’s World Cup in 24 years.

He then went one further after bagging a hat-trick against Hungary in Budapest, where his last-minute goal sent the country into pandemonium. 

It wasn’t to be in Prague, despite his efforts of scoring a penalty both in normal time and in the shootout as Ireland’s dreams were ultimately dashed.

However, this has been the year of all years for the boy from the north inner city.

A Dutch Cup win with AZ Alkmaar, added to a record goal-scoring season, means that Parrott is on his way to the elite echelons of the footballing world.

But how did he get here?

Inner Drive tells the story of how Parrott made it all the way from Stella Maris to Belvedere and then to his first English club, Tottenham Hotspur.

In episode one, Parrott explains how he became a striker, and what his development was like in the early years.

Serving an apprenticeship at Spurs, and what it was like working with the likes of Harry Kane, Mauricio Pochettino and Jose Mourinho.

And his mother Jennifer explains how football kept him out of trouble, and how that she was a relaxed spectator on the side-line.

Inner Drive on Off The Ball is brought to you by Allianz, proud sponsor of Irish sports 

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