Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has been buoyed by the form of strikers Troy Parrott and Evan Ferguson in the build-up to the start of World Cup qualifying.
Parrott has impressed since moving to AZ Alkmaar from Tottenham, scoring 20 goals in all competitions last season and adding 10 already this term.
Hallgrimsson has also been pleased by Ferguson’s start to life at Roma after joining the Italians on loan from Brighton.
Parrott, 23, was linked with a move back to England over the summer but opted to remain in the Eredivisie and Hallgrimsson feels that “stability” will benefit the player.
“Troy has been on fire from pre-season and last season as well, so it’s a good step for him,” said Hallgrimsson, whose team face World Cup qualifiers against Hungary and Armenia next month.
“I know there was a lot of interest in him, but he wanted to stay. I really like that as he needs stability and if he continues like this it’s really good for us.”
Ferguson ‘seems fitter’
Hallgrimsson was also happy to see Ferguson impress in his Serie A debut in Roma’s 1-0 win over Bologna on Saturday.
The 20-year-old opted to move abroad like Parrott, having spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham.
Although it was Wesley who scored the only goal of the game at Stadio Olimpico, Ferguson laid on an excellent chance for Manu Kone and his international boss liked what he saw.
“My first impressions were really good,” added Hallgrimsson.
“Looking at him in pictures, he even seems fitter.
“His first game was brilliant. It’s tough for a striker to play in Italy. There’s not a lot of spaces, up against physical defenders, and he coped with it really well. I hope he’ll bring that into our camp.”