THE TROY WHO WOULD BE KING

Dubliner Parrott one of hottest properties in European football but talk of a first Irish Golden Boot win is premature.. the UEFA points ranking system has made sure of that!

- BY MARK MCCADDEN

TROY PARROTT'S blistering start to the season, with an incredible 10 goals in just seven games for AZ Alkmaar, has made ripples across Europe.

The Irish international scored again on Sunday in the 2-2 draw with FC Volendam — a sweeping right foot strike beyond Kayne van Oevelen into the top corner.

The former Spurs striker has already been linked with a move back to the Premiership ahead of the close of the transfer window.

The Dubliner's red hot form is also great news for Ireland manager Heimar Hallgrimsson ahead of the World Cup qualifying doubleheader with Hungary and Armenia in September.

When it comes to the early whispers of a first Irish European Golden Boot win however, punters thinking about a little splurge on Parrott would probably be safer keeping their money in their pockets.

Thanks to UEFA'S handicap system, introduced back in 1997, the chances of Parrott winning the Golden Boot - or anyone else plying their trade outside the big five leagues for that matter - are slim.

From its inception in 1967 until the introduction of a points ranking system, the recipient was simply the player with the most goals scored.