Preston striker Troy Parrott endured another tough outing as he squandered a big chance in the Republic of Ireland’s defeat to Scotland.
You could hardly blame Parrott for looking forward to this international break.
Sure, fans don’t always love it and the first one of the season always feels too early, but Parrott may have welcomed the break from Deepdale.
The Tottenham Hotspur loanee was started in every Championship game for Preston this season but has yet to find the net.
Parrott has come in for criticism of late with North End fans on his back, confidence seemingly draining with every passing groan.
This loan spell is starting to feel a lot like Parrott’s move to Millwall in 2020, which was ultimately cut short in January.
We don’t want to see that happen.
Yes, Preston need goals from Parrott but you can see why Ryan Lowe likes him with his work rate and ability with the ball at his feet.
Slating Parrott isn’t going to help him gain confidence but he will know all too well that he needs goals.
Heading away with Ireland at least provided a change of scenery, but the story in front of goal has been the same.
Parrott started up top for Ireland against Scotland on Saturday and two key moments will haunt him.
The first came when Parrott actually found the net, firing a superb finish past Craig Gordon after cutting in from the left flank, only to see the offside flag raised.
The second was the big one as Parrott was played clean through on goal with the scoreline at 1-1.
Parrott had so much time – arguably too much time – and scuffed his finish straight at Gordon.
Scotland ended up winning the game and many have pointed to Parrott’s missed opportunity as the key moment.
It was the finish of a player lacking in confidence, which makes that superb disallowed strike in the first half feel even worse.
The Irish press have been reacting to Parrott’s display, with RTE giving him just a 5/10 rating after ‘a night of frustration’.
There was an even lower rating from The Irish Times as they gave Parrott just a 4 out of 10, highlighting some ‘sloppy touches’.
Balls.ie were a little kinder, giving Parrott a 6 out of 10 whilst praising his ‘excellent movement’, claiming that he ‘played well’.
This wasn’t the night Parrott was hoping for, but we can only hope for better from him in a Preston shirt against Sunderland next weekend.