LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE TROY

Parrott's stunning treble seals victory in do-or-die Hungar Game

- BY KEITH WEBSTER

IS IT possible to pinch an entire nation in one go - because the Republic of Ireland might need it to know they are not dreaming?

Who would have thought last week that beating Portugal and having a night of fun by waving Cristiano Ronaldo goodbye with a red card was just the appetiser for the real drama of World Cup qualifying Group F?

It is not that the Irish have not known iconic moments in the past. Ray Houghton's header against England at Euro 88, Houghton against Italy at USA 94, John Aldridge in Orlando, Ronnie Whelan's volley against USSR, Liam Brady against Brazil, Packie Bonner and David O'Leary on penalties at Italia 90.

However, not only can you add Troy Parrott to that list, who would dare dispute his Hungarian hat-trick meriting pride of place at the top of it?