Troy Parrott stole the spotlight as AZ Alkmaar dismantled struggling Dutch giants Ajax 6-0 in the KNVB Cup round of 16.
Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson was in attendance in Alkmaar, witnessing Parrott deliver a stunning performance that could boost his case ahead of Ireland’s March World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic.
Parrott wasted no time making an impact, opening the scoring after just three minutes. He reacted quickest to a rebound from a long-range strike that had been parried by former St Patrick’s Athletic goalkeeper Viteszlav Jaros.
The 23-year-old striker doubled Alkmaar’s advantage in the 33rd minute with a goal that combined raw power and pace.
Parrott chased down a clearance from Alkmaar goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro, used a header to evade his marker, and finished with a low, precise shot into the far corner.
AZ Alkmaar effectively sealed the tie before halftime when Peer Koopmeiners made it 3-0. The rout continued two minutes into the second half as Kees Smit added a fourth.
Parrott completed his hat-trick with ten minutes remaining, calmly slotting home after a rebound off the post, ensuring he was named man of the match.
Ibrahim Sadiq capped off the evening, scoring Alkmaar’s sixth in the final minutes and leaving Ajax reeling from one of their heaviest defeats in recent memory.
