Another week down for Irish lads abroad, and the positivity train keeps rolling. It’s been a tough season overall, but recent weeks have brought a welcome dose of optimism heading into the November international break. Irish players are beginning to show the true potential that’s always been there – and it’s starting to shine across Europe.
No better place to start than with the man of the moment, Troy Parrott. The forward was the star again for AZ Alkmaar in their 4–1 win over Utrecht in the Eredivisie. Parrott, who now has three goals in two games since returning from injury, struck twice in the first half to put AZ firmly in control on Sunday evening.
The only blot on an otherwise outstanding display was a missed penalty that denied him a hat-trick. Still, it was another performance that showcased Parrott as a cut above much of the competition in the Dutch league right now, and the Dubliner has 13 goals from 11 games for AZ in all competitions this season.
On to another Irish striker – Evan Ferguson. It was another frustrating week for the young forward, who found himself the subject of some curious comments from Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini.
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“Ferguson? It must be an important factor for the future,” Gasperini said. “He trained often, but only the last one was a real workout – strong, well done. Unfortunately, he suffered a bruise on his ankle. We’ll see if he’ll be available.”
Those remarks painted a mixed picture – praise for Ferguson’s potential, but also a reminder that he’s still finding consistency and fitness. Come Sunday, the striker didn’t feature in Roma’s win, with that ankle issue keeping him sidelined again. It’s a worrying pattern for the attacker, whose ankle problems have flared up on and off over the past couple of seasons. Hopefully, it’s nothing serious and he’ll be back for their midweek clash with Parma.
For the first time in a while, we can talk about two Irish strikers abroad in a positive light – and this time it’s Sinclair Armstrong stealing the spotlight. The Bristol City forward, long admired for his raw power and work rate with the Ireland under-21s, was finally given his first start of the season against Birmingham on Saturday – and he made it count.
Armstrong was excellent in the first half, holding up play, linking well with team-mates, and showing real confidence. Just before halftime, he made a trademark run in behind, using his pace and strength to burst clear and calmly slot home for his first Championship goal in nearly a year.
The relief in his celebration said it all. After a tough spell where confidence dipped, this felt like a turning point. Armstrong offers more than goals – his physicality and drive could make him an intriguing option for Ireland next month.
It was a relatively quiet Premier League weekend for Irish players, but a big one for Keith Andrews’ Brentford, who stunned Liverpool 3-1 at home. The Bees were superb, with a trademark long throw-in – crafted by set-piece coach Stephen Rice – leading to their opener. Nathan Collins impressed at the back, while Caoimhín Kelleher faced his former club for the first time and handled the occasion with real composure.
Elsewhere, Josh Cullen played a key role in Burnley’s 3-2 win over Wolves, solid in midfield despite conceding a harsh penalty. Matt Doherty missed out for Wolves, while Jake O’Brien started for Everton in their 3-0 defeat to Tottenham, with Seamus Coleman remaining on the bench.
Injuries continue to trouble some Irishmen. Will Smallbone has been ruled out for a couple of months after a hamstring tear, while Jayson Molumby also missed both of West Brom’s games through injury.
On the brighter side, Alan Browne continued his excellent form for Middlesbrough, earning Man of the Match in their win over Sheffield Wednesday on Wednesday. Rocco Vata netted the winner for Watford midweek, underlining his promise as one of Ireland’s brightest prospects.
Meanwhile, in Bulgaria, Armstrong Oko-Flex is thriving with Botev Plovdiv. He scored again on Friday, making it five goals in his last six games and quickly becoming a fan favourite. It’s proving to be a brilliant move for a player rediscovering his rhythm and confidence.
Player of the Week – Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar)
Troy Parrott is the clear standout this week. Despite missing a penalty, his two goals for AZ Alkmaar were top quality and showed his growing confidence and maturity. He looks a level above in the Eredivisie and has become far more clinical in front of goal. Strong holdup play, sharp finishing, and real composure – Parrott is hitting his stride and proving his potential week after week.
Goal of the Week – Sinclair Armstrong (Bristol City)
Sinclair Armstrong’s strike against Birmingham was pure individual brilliance – the kind of goal only he can score. Bursting from just inside his own half, he powered past defenders with trademark pace before opening up his body and finishing superbly past Beadle from a tight angle. It didn’t look like the goal of a player short on confidence – and it could be the moment that truly kick-starts his season.
Stat of the Week – Aaron Drinan (Swindon Town) 10 goals – Top scorer in the EFL
Aaron Drinan bagged a brace for Swindon Town in their 2–2 draw with Notts County, taking his tally to 10 goals – including nine in his last nine games – and cementing his status as one of League Two’s standout players. Swindon now sit joint-top on 26 points, thanks in no small part to his form. Recently named League Two’s Player of the Month for September, Drinan keeps improving and looks unstoppable right now.
